The State Tourism Department has formed Tourism Security Organisation (TSO) in five important tourist destinations for providing security cover to visitors and ensuring that Tamil Nadu is a safe destination for visitors, including foreigners. An official release issued on Tuesday stated that in view of the increased arrival of tourists to the State, it had been decided to form TSO with one executive security officer and five assistant security officers. Ex-servicemen would be appointed to these posts.
In the first instance, TSO has been formed in Mamallapuram, Kodaikanal, Udhagamandalam, Rameswaram and Kanyakumari.
The main objective is to ensure pleasant stay to visitors; provide security cover to them at tourist important destinations; enhance the arrival of tourists to the State; serve as a bridge between police and district administration; promote tourism and provide assistance to tourists during exigencies among other things. The government would soon take a decision about TSO working structure and expansion.