Tamil Nadu continues to top the list on arrival of domestic and foreign travellers in the country, according to Vellamandi N. Natarajan, Tourism Minister.
Speaking at the Pongal celebrations held at Kuzhumani near here on Tuesday, he said Tamil Nadu had secured first place among the States in both domestic and international tourist arrivals for the third consecutive year since 2014.
“Good connectivity, better roads, spectacular and magnificent temples, hill stations, tourism friendly policies and an active hospitality sector were the reasons for it. Similarly, there had been steady increase of tourists to Tiruchi since 2014.”
“A total of 1.21 crore tourists had visited Tiruchi in 2016, a marginal increase from the 1.20 crore in 2015. Steps were being taken to increase the arrival of domestic and international tourists to the State,” Mr. Natarajan said.
Stating that infrastructure and basic amenities at tourist centres were being strengthened, he listed various works being executed in various parts of Tiruchi district.
The road from Melur to the Butterfly Park in Srirangam taluk was being strengthened and improved at an estimate of ₹1.92 crore.
LED street lights were being installed around the Sri Neelivaneswarar Temple at Thirupainjeeli in the district.
Minister for Backward Classes and Minority Welfare, S. Valarmathi, Collector K. Rajamani and others also spoke.
They also witnessed a slew of cultural programmes organised at the village on the occasion of Pongal celebrations.
