Tamil Nadu plans river tourism, free travel for seniors

Tamil Nadu Tourism Minister S. Rajesh Kumar announced several initiatives to boost the state's tourism sector, speaking at the 75th anniversary of the Travel Agents Association of India in Tiruchi on Sunday. He said the government plans to introduce River Tourism connecting the Thamirabarani and Cauvery rivers, and develop devotional tourism around Velankanni and Nagore. The minister also said free travel facilities for senior citizens are being considered to make tourism more inclusive.

Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments S. Ramesh said Tamil Nadu offers diverse attractions from Chennai to Kanniyakumari, including beaches, temples, and heritage sites. He stressed the role of local cuisine in promoting tourism, citing Srirangam's traditional Akkaravadisal. Mr. Ramesh said the HR&CE and Tourism departments are working together to attract more domestic and international visitors to major temples such as those at Tiruchendur, Rameswaram, and Tiruvannamalai.

The ministers spoke at an event where a double diamond jubilee souvenir of the Travel Agents Association of India was released. Tiruchi, described as a key tourism destination, attracts around 2.5 crore visitors annually, Mr. Rajesh noted.