Tamil Nadu is taking up various initiatives to boost domestic and international tourist footfalls. In an interview to TOI, K Manivasan, additional chief secretary, tourism and culture spoke about projects being undertaken, countries in focus, and infrastructure development of TTDC hotels.Excerpts: What makes TN the most visited state by domestic tourists? Tamil Nadu stood second in the country in the domestic tourism segment by attracting 286 million domestic tourists in CY2023. Domestic tourist arrivals in CY2024 increased to 306 million (provisional). Good connectivity, hospitality, and law and order are three major draws. Several states are strong in certain tourism products. But, Tamil Nadu is a diverse state with archaeology, antiquity, hill stations, adventure and spiritual tourism avenues.The state has festivals in temples throughout the year, which attracts pilgrims from across India. Between 2014 and 2020, TN attracted the highest number of overseas travellers pan India. It does not figure among the top five in CY2023 (as per India Tourism Data Compendium Report 2024). Why?Data on foreign (inbound) tourist arrivals to the state in CY2023 did not reflect the true picture. We are in the sixth position according to the data. However, we had an increasing number of foreign tourists coming to TN. In terms of market share, TN accounts for 25%-30% of the total medical tourism arrivals within India. Moreover, NRIs, business travellers and Tamil diaspora are travelling to the state. The state tourism department has been asked to study the data and understand the survey methodology adopted by the Union government, and highlight any exclusions or omissions. What is TN’s inbound tourism growth forecast and what are its prospects in the next five years?We are looking at least 5% YoY growth in this vertical. Indonesia, South Korea, Vietnam, and Cambodia are focus areas, apart from Malaysia and Singapore. We are focusing on regaining our status as the numero uno state in attracting the highest number of tourists (both domestic and inbound) by 2030. We are hopeful as the state has the potential. We have the resources, infrastructure and manpower to make this happen. A holistic know-how of the market and the tourist demographic will help us conceive the best package for them.Tourism is not just about sightseeing. It becomes invaluable when transformed into something experiential. We are working in this direction. The state budget has given a thrust to tourism this year. Apart from archaeology and museums, which are the focus areas?A sum of 100 crore has been allocated for development of tourism infrastructure in lesser-known tourism destinations, which have tremendous potential. Adventure and eco-camping sites will be developed in these regions. Sirumalai in Dindigul district and Ariyaman beach in Ramanathapuram district are on our radar. Veeranam lake in Cuddalore district has a good potential for boating. We are also developing a Jain circuit at a cost of 10 crore.Basic amenities will be built around Tirumalai Jain temple in Tiruvannamalai district. Madurai is also a major Jain centre. The coastal trail in Mamallapuram and Nagapattinam belts as well as the Chola trail in central districts have also been marked. Any plans to upgrade TTDC hotels? What’s the progress on the TN Tourism Promotion and Facilitation Act?We are in the process of renovating or redeveloping our popular properties including those in Rameswaram, Kanyakumari, Ooty and Kodaikanal. At Mamallapuram, we are coming up with a greenfield property. Collectively, we will have about 100 new rooms across TTDC properties in the state. The govt will introduce the Tamil Nadu Tourism Promotion and Facilitation Act. It will introduce regulations on minimum standards to be adhered to by stakeholders involved in the management of homestays and bed and breakfast providers, as well as tour guides.