Tamil Nadu Travel Mart 2025 Kicks Off in Chennai, Showcasing State's Tourism Potential
The Tamil Nadu Travel Mart (TNTM) 2025, concluded successfully at the Chennai Trade Centre. The event, brought together over 250 exhibitors from 12 Indian states and four countries, including partner country Nepal, along with Myanmar, Brunei, and Korea. More than 50 national and international hosted buyers and approximately 4,000 to 5,000 travel trade visitors participated.
The event was inaugurated by Shri R. Rajendran, Honourable Minister for Tourism, Sugar, Sugarcane Excise, and Sugarcane Development, Government of Tamil Nadu, in the presence of key officials including Dr. K. Manivasan, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Culture and Religious Endowments Department; Mr. D. Venkatesan, Regional Director (South), Ministry of Tourism, Government of India; and Ms Shilpa Prabhakar Satish, IAS, Commissioner, Commissionerate of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu.
Dr. K. Manivasan highlighted the collaborative efforts behind the event and the broader vision for Tamil Nadu’s tourism growth. He emphasized the importance of such travel marts in elevating the state's tourism profile, stating, "Tamil Nadu is one of the leading states in both domestic and international tourist arrivals. Conducting such events is crucial for leveraging the strengths of various stakeholders."
He outlined a bold vision to increase tourism’s contribution to Tamil Nadu's Gross State Domestic Product from 8% to 15% by 2030 and stressed the potential for ecotourism beyond the state's renowned religious and heritage tourism.
D. Venkatesan praised the scale and significance of the event, emphasizing Tamil Nadu’s diverse tourism offerings, including its long coastline, ancient temples, and unique cultural heritage. He also underscored the importance of promoting Tamil Nadu's GI-tagged products and the Ministry of Tourism's commitment to training and capacity building through initiatives like Paryatan Mitra and Paryatan Didi.
Shilpa Prabhakar Satish acknowledged the swift and collaborative efforts in organizing the event. She highlighted the upcoming Tourism Facilitation Act and the state's commitment to executing the tourism policy effectively. "This is just the beginning. With continued support, we will take Tamil Nadu Travel Mart to even greater heights," she said.
Safari Plus was honored as a media partner at the event, recognizing its contributions to promoting travel and tourism. This acknowledgment highlighted Safari Plus' role in supporting the travel industry and disseminating vital information to industry stakeholders and the public. Through its articles, Safari Plus has actively promoted Tamil Nadu's diverse tourism offerings, including its cultural heritage, ecotourism potential, and unique experiences, further enhancing the state's visibility as a prime travel destination.
TNTM 2025 stood as a testament to Tamil Nadu's ambition to become a global tourism powerhouse by leveraging its cultural richness, natural diversity, and institutional support.
