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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced the launch of the state’s first Tamil Biennale, scheduled for January next year, aiming to position Tamil Nadu as a global destination for art and cultural tourism.
Speaking at the Tamil Nadu Global Tourism Summit 2026, held at the UNESCO heritage site of Mamallapuram, Stalin also unveiled a ₹100 crore initiative to establish a Special Area Development Authority for the town, aimed at building world-class infrastructure.
Addressing a gathering of investors and industry stakeholders, the chief minister highlighted the state government’s recent efforts, noting that 127 Memoranda of Understanding have been signed, representing a committed investment of
₹22,794.78 crore.
"These projects are expected to generate employment for 65,937 people across various segments, including heritage, adventure, and eco-tourism," Stalin said.
Under the 2023 Tourism Policy, the state nodal agency SIPCOT will oversee the development of new tourist destinations in two phases. The first phase covers Kanyakumari, Kallakurichi, Erode, and Thoothukudi, while the second phase has identified 31 locations for theme parks, camping sites, and nature stays. This expansion is projected to create job opportunities for several lakh people across Tamil Nadu.
Also Read: Nepal's tourist arrivals increase by 15.7% in January, most travellers from India
Stalin highlighted the sector’s growth over the past five years, stating that the government allocated ₹612.18 crore for tourism development, attracting 128.97 crore domestic and 45 lakh foreign tourists during this period. He also emphasised that the state offers safe travel environments and excellent transport facilities for visitors.
During the summit, the chief minister virtually inaugurated completed infrastructure projects worth ₹40.25 crore, including a glow garden in Mamallapuram and a new hotel in Chidambaram. He also laid the foundation for additional facilities in Thirukkadaiyur and Tharangambadi.
The event was attended by state ministers T.M. Anbarasan, R. Rajendran, and T.R.B. Rajaa, along with Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin as a special guest.
The summit also celebrated winners of the Tourism Innovation Hackathon, focused on culinary, rural, and digital tourism. Among the recipients were Thamizh Nilam Thamizh Pannai, an organic farm in Thirukalukundram near Mamallapuram, and Xera Robotics Private Limited, each receiving ₹1 lakh.
Also Read: Budget 2026 | FM Sitharaman names 7 archaeological sites for heritage tourism push, 8 more yet to be named
Speaking at the Tamil Nadu Global Tourism Summit 2026, held at the UNESCO heritage site of Mamallapuram, Stalin also unveiled a ₹100 crore initiative to establish a Special Area Development Authority for the town, aimed at building world-class infrastructure.
Addressing a gathering of investors and industry stakeholders, the chief minister highlighted the state government’s recent efforts, noting that 127 Memoranda of Understanding have been signed, representing a committed investment of
"These projects are expected to generate employment for 65,937 people across various segments, including heritage, adventure, and eco-tourism," Stalin said.
Under the 2023 Tourism Policy, the state nodal agency SIPCOT will oversee the development of new tourist destinations in two phases. The first phase covers Kanyakumari, Kallakurichi, Erode, and Thoothukudi, while the second phase has identified 31 locations for theme parks, camping sites, and nature stays. This expansion is projected to create job opportunities for several lakh people across Tamil Nadu.
Also Read: Nepal's tourist arrivals increase by 15.7% in January, most travellers from India
Stalin highlighted the sector’s growth over the past five years, stating that the government allocated ₹612.18 crore for tourism development, attracting 128.97 crore domestic and 45 lakh foreign tourists during this period. He also emphasised that the state offers safe travel environments and excellent transport facilities for visitors.
During the summit, the chief minister virtually inaugurated completed infrastructure projects worth ₹40.25 crore, including a glow garden in Mamallapuram and a new hotel in Chidambaram. He also laid the foundation for additional facilities in Thirukkadaiyur and Tharangambadi.
The event was attended by state ministers T.M. Anbarasan, R. Rajendran, and T.R.B. Rajaa, along with Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin as a special guest.
The summit also celebrated winners of the Tourism Innovation Hackathon, focused on culinary, rural, and digital tourism. Among the recipients were Thamizh Nilam Thamizh Pannai, an organic farm in Thirukalukundram near Mamallapuram, and Xera Robotics Private Limited, each receiving ₹1 lakh.
Also Read: Budget 2026 | FM Sitharaman names 7 archaeological sites for heritage tourism push, 8 more yet to be named
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