Tamil Nadu responds to overcrowding

Tourism should be synergetic and mutually beneficial for both locals of that destination and travellers. In the past years, Tamil Nadu has enticed millions of tourists. However, on the flip side, it has caused overcrowding at destinations and pollution. Tamil Nadu is coping with the situation by diverting tourists to lesser-known tourist places.

Suhani Sood

Tamil Nadu (TN) has witnessed a remarkable influx of tourists, according to the 63rd edition of Indian Tourism Statistics Report released recently. The state has registered an annual growth of 17.02 per cent in domestic visits with 115 million travellers. Dominating the Indian market for six out of seven years, the state has been consistent with securing the top rank in domestic tourist volumes. However, it has become important to properly implement strategic planning and sustainable methods to evenly distribute the tourist flows in the state.

Issues with popular locations in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu Tourism faces several challenges with respect to managing beautiful and well-known places in the state. Sandeep Nanduri, Director Tourism, Tamil Nadu and Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation, said that the Nilgiris alone recorded a footfall of 10 million visitors. “This sudden growth presents a few challenges for the state. No doubt that destinations like Madurai, Ooty, Kodaikanal, Courtallam, and others are cherished for their beauty, but it presents problems like overcrowding, environmental impact, infrastructure strain and inability to preserve the cultural and historical heritage,” he said.

Uneven season

Certain tourist destinations in the state register increased footfall during festivals, or at a particular time of the year. For example, to escape summer heat waves, travellers generally prefer to go to hills or beaches like Goa is crowded throughout the year, Shimla, Manali and Dharamshala witness peak traffic in summers, festivals like Kumbh Mela, Varanasi and Rishikesh see large volumes of tourists due to some specific attractions. “However, it escalates into a challenge when there is absence of evenly distributed tourists throughout the year and hence, requires special attention,” Nanduri said.

Lack of awareness

He said that the state tourism department is facing the problem of lack of awareness about some offbeat locations in the state. “There is a need for information and knowledge on alternative destinations,” he said, adding that tourists are really missing out on some destinations’ hidden treasures and offerings.

Need to divert pressure to infamous destinations

The state has launched the Tourism Destination Development Scheme to facilitate integration and overall development of the offbeat places. Nanduri explained how the state tourism department is prioritizing economic, social, and environmental sustainability with the aim of encouraging tourists to visit offbeat destinations. “Beautiful and lesser-known attractions like Kolli hills, Jawadhu hills, Mannavanur, Muthupettai, and more are being promoted,” he said.

Giving an example of Blue Flag Beach in Kovalam, he said, “The beach management committee has improved and established new facilities to provide enjoyable experiences for travellers and diligent efforts are being made to maintain this beach.” Similarly, various activities like nature trails, boating, beach walks and extensive promotions are being done for Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, an offbeat attraction having distinct coastal ecosystem.

Development of niche tourism

Nanduri emphasized on accelerating growth of various tourism forms like adventure tourism, caravan tourism, and camping. “These forms of tourism have very less impact on nature, while providing memorable experiences,” he said.

Talking about the recent campaign, Discover Tamil Nadu 2.0, he said that the influencer campaign was organised for covering places like Jawwadhu hills in order to create visibility and establish themselves as popular destinations on social media.

“It has encouraged potential visitors to discover the hidden gems of Tamil Nadu and consider them as viable travel options to explore,” he said.

Reactions shown by tourists

• Consumer behaviour has been shifting towards immersive forms of tourism
• Arrivals witnessed 53 per cent increase in 2022
• Visitors look for unique and less congested experiences
• Tourists searching for new and authentic travel experiences
• Adventure tourism and beach tourism has also gained momentum