Clean toilets, hygienic food facilities across all Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) properties, and the launch of a flagship tourism project will be among the immediate priorities of the tourism department.The roadmap to transform Tamil Nadu into one of Southeast Asia’s leading tourism destinations over the next five years was discussed during a high-level review meeting of the department and TTDC chaired by tourism minister S Rajesh Kumar in Chennai.“There are 50 property run by TTDC and 23 of them are operated by franchisees. The minister has instructed that visitors should get a good culinary experience,” added the official.The emphasis will be on modern infrastructure, technology-driven experiences and enhanced tourist facilities. The meeting reviewed various tourism initiatives and focused on improving tourism infrastructure, designing new travel experiences and strengthening tourist safety and transport facilities across the state.“This was the minister’s first meeting. There were discussions on integrating modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, into the tourism administration and visitor services to create a more seamless and immersive travel experience. Workforce training and capacity building for tourism personnel were also part of the deliberations,” said an official.The minister instructed officials to continue upgrading tourist destinations across Tamil Nadu and work towards making the state one of the best tourism hubs in India with world-class facilities and services. “The minister was particular about cleanliness. He also wanted one major project idea that had to be implemented,” the official explained.Senior officials from the tourism department and TTDC, including principal secretary Dr C Swarna, tourism commissioner and TTDC managing director M S Shanmugam, and TTDC general manager C Lakshmi Priya, attended the meeting.
