Enhancing tourist experience in Tamil Nadu

Chennai: As part of a nationwide initiative to enhance the overall experience and comforts of tourists, the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) has sought suggestions from State tourism departments on the possible areas of collaboration with the corporation.

The ITDC’s initiative to join hands with the State tourism departments should give impetus to the tourism industry. Recently, ITDC organised a roundtable and it was attended by tourism officials from several States, including Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

The public sector undertaking, which functions under the aegis of the Ministry of Tourism invited the State Tourism Corporations / Departments to find possible solutions to develop tourism for respective States leading to overall growth of Indian tourism industry.

The meeting discussed the possible areas of synergies for collaboration between ITDC and State tourism authorities which could ensure overall growth of the industry. Strategic Business Units of ITDC - Ashok Consultancy and Engineering Services, Sound and Light Show, Ashok Travels & Tours, Ashok Events, Ashok Institute of Hospitality & Tourism Management presented the wide spectrum of services through which State tourism departments could partner with ITDC.

Convert tourists into goodwill ambassadors: Chennai, which has occupied a prime position in the country in terms of attracting foreign and domestic tourists, has the onus to convert the tourists into goodwill ambassadors, according to Sanjay Shrivats, Regional Director, India Tourism. The need of the hour for the hospitality industry is to reach out to visiting guests by creating the right ambience for tourism growth in Chennai and rest of Tamil Nadu.

 “Also, the high quality academics play a pivotal role in the holistic development of the individual and this cannot be overemphasised”, he said while participating in a function organised to felicitate the authorities of the Chennai-based Institute of Hotel Management Catering Technology which was ranked 34th among the top 50 hospitality management schools in the world for 2017, according to a survey conducted by a magazine.

“This is a proud moment, not just for the alumni of the institute but for the entire hospitality industry of Chennai… This should inspire many to join the industry”, said Krishnakumar Menon, general manager, Aloft Chennai. He lauded the IHMCT for getting the coveted ranking placing the institute along the iconic names in the hospitality schools of the world.