CHENNAI: In a major boost to the State’s and the government’s ability to attract investments, the first Tamil Nadu Global Tourism Summit at Mahabalipuram has attracted investments to the tune of Rs 22,795 crore through 127 memoranda of understanding, with the potential to generate employment for over 65,900 people.
The biggest of the announcements was the deal inked with Avid Sports Holdings to invest Rs 6,200 crore in a multi-purpose sports stadium, expected to create around 1,500 jobs. Another was the MoU with the Mata Amritanandamayi Mandir Trust to set up a heritage theme park at Mahabalipuram at an investment of Rs 3,000 crore, generating employment for about 12,000 people.
POMA proposed a Rs 2,000 crore adventure tourism investment in Chennai, creating around 1,000 jobs. ArenaOne proposed an investment of Rs 1,400 crore for a sports and recreation facility.
Vietnam-based Vingroup, which entered India with a massive automobile plant in Thoothukudi, announced plans to establish VinWonders amusement parks and a luxury hotel.
Besides overseeing the inking of the deals, Chief Minister MK Stalin announced the launch of an international Tamil biennale, an international art and cultural festival, to secure Tamil Nadu a permanent place on the global tourism map as a leading destination for art and cultural experiences.
Also, a Special Area Development Authority will be established to comprehensively upgrade tourist amenities at Mahabalipuram. Under the project, Rs 100 crore will be invested to create modern, globally benchmarked tourism infrastructure and improve facilities and visitor experience at the UNESCO heritage site.
The third announcement outlined an expanded role for Sipcot in tourism development. In line with the Tamil Nadu Tourism Policy-2023, Sipcot will identify tourism destinations, attract private investments and develop new tourism facilities. In the first phase, four special tourism destinations have been identified in Kanniyakumari, Kallakurichi, Erode, and Thoothukudi districts, with investment proposals invited.
In the second phase, 31 locations across the State will be developed into urban tourism centres, experiential tourism hubs and integrated destinations, including resorts, theme parks, camping sites and nature-based stays.
Stalin said the State had allocated Rs 612.18 crore for tourism development over the past five years, attracting 128.97 crore domestic tourists and about 45 lakh foreign visitors.
Calling on investors and tourists to choose Tamil Nadu, the Chief Minister said the State offered safety, connectivity and unmatched cultural depth, and invited the world to make Tamil Nadu its preferred destination.
Minister for Tourism R Rajendran, Minister for Industries TRB Rajaa, along with officials, delegates and sports personalities, attended the inaugural ceremony.
