Seeking to promote tourism in Rameswaram island, flocked by pilgrims and tourists from various parts of the country, the district administration and department of tourism have organised water sports meet and introduced adventure water sports such as sea-surfing and kayaking.
Inaugurating the two-way water sports meet, organised for the first time in the district at Olaikuda beach here on Saturday, Har Sahay Meena, Commissioner of Tourism and Managing Director of Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation, said the department was willing to create necessary infrastructure for the promotion of tourism in the island.
He said the water sports meet was organised with the objectives of attracting tourists and promoting tourism in this part of the State. After offering worship at Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram, the pilgrims, especially those who came from north India, could enjoy water sports, he said. “If tourists extended patronage, the department is willing to develop infrastructure facilities and organise the water sports meet annually or twice a year,” he said. Collector K. Nanthakumar said kayaking, swimming, sailing, sea surfing and beach volleyball competitions would be held to attract tourists. District Tourist Officer M. Balasubramanian said 25 persons took part in the open to all 400-metre swimming competition and 50 in single kayaking event on the first day. The finals would be held at Ariyaman beach on Sunday, he said.
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