Tamil Nadu showcases tourism diversity at Paris

Chennai: In a major push to position the state as a premier global destination, Tamil Nadu showcased its diverse tourism portfolio at the international B2B trade exhibition IFTM TOP RESA 2026, which commenced at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. The three-day travel mart, held under the theme “The Value of Travel” from September 15 to 17, featured over 1,650 travel enterprises and approximately 32,000 trade professionals across leisure, business travel (MICE), and group tourism segments, an official release said. Tamil Nadu Tourism Minister C Rajesh Kumar inaugurated the state’s pavilion, organised under the guidance of Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay. The pavilion presents the state’s cultural heritage, medical tourism, adventure, and culinary traditions to international buyers. Prominent attractions on display include UNESCO World Heritage monuments such as Mamallapuram and the Great Living Chola Temples in Thanjavur, alongside established destinations like Madurai, Rameswaram, and the Nilgiris. Emerging circuits, including Pichavaram, Kolli Hills, Valparai, and Gingee Fort, were also featured alongside niche offerings such as rural, eco, slow, and astro-tourism. The state delegation engaged in structured B2B meetings with French and international tour operators. The department also unveiled the “Discover Tamil Nadu: International Edition 2026–27” Familiarisation (FAM) Trip to strengthen global tourism partnerships, the release said.

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