CHENNAI: The 50th edition of the India Tourist and Industrial Fair (ITIF) kicked off at the Island Grounds in the city on Monday.
Organised with the objective of taking the Tamil Nadu government’s welfare schemes to the people, the exhibition has been held annually for the past 49 years since 1974 under the aegis of the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation.
The state government issued a government order for the conduct of the 50th edition as a Golden Jubilee celebration, allocating Rs 1.55 crore for setting up pavilions of various government departments.
State Tourism Minister R Rajendran, Minister for Health and Family Welfare Ma Subramanian and Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments PK Sekarbabu were present at the inauguration.
According to TTDC sources, a total of 43 pavilions representing various departments, 80 small shops, 14 private pavilions and several snack stalls have been set up this year. The exhibition is expected to provide direct employment to about 6,000 persons and indirect livelihood opportunities to nearly 30,000 people.
An entertainment zone spread over 80,000 sq ft features more than 25 amusement rides for children and adults, including the giant wheel, octopus, tsunami, capsule, tora tora, swing chair, techno jump, screen tower and China salambo. Other attractions include a haunted house, snow world, a 3D show, a bird exhibition, a water roller and carnival games.
The entry fee has been fixed at Rs 40 for adults and Rs 25 for children aged between four and 10 years, school and college students. The fair will be open from Monday to Friday between 3 pm and 10 pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 10 pm.
The entry tickets can be purchased through QR code scanning using UPI payment methods or online at www.ttdcfair.com.