Chennai: In an effort to end the ecological menace of using plastics, the state tourism department has proposed to launch a campaign to dissuade the use of bio non-degradable plastics at tourist destinations across Tamil Nadu and encourage the use of eco-friendly products.
Though the administration of certain districts in the state have banned the use of plastics in prominent tourist destinations in their districts, plastics continues to be used extensively in several tourist spots in the state.
The use of plastics has already been banned in several prominent spots like Mamallapuram, Ooty, Kanyakumari, Kancheepuram and Madurai. “The ban is being enforced locally. But, there should be a mechanism in place at state level to render the destinations attractive in every manner so as to lure more visitors,” a senior tourism official said.
Hence, the department has decided to discourage the use of bio non-degradable plastics. Simultaneously, waste management and awareness campaigns will be taken up at tourist destinations to make the spots spick and span.
On the cards is to promote high-end tourism through the promotion of adventure tourism, cruise tourism, chartered flights and caravan services. “Providing hygienic toilets and ensuring waiting shelters and requisite infrastructure at temples and tourist places is also envisaged,” an official at the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation said.
Also, the tourism department has proposed to develop roads leading to tourist places in eleven districts in the state. It has earmarked about Rs 10 crore for the purpose. Besides, proposals for a sum of Rs 10.58 crore are under consideration for providing basic amenities at various tourist centres.
Philippines expects more Indian footfalls
The number of visitors Philippines had received from India last year is very small – a mere 46,000. And, India is expected to emerge as one among the top 10 source markets for that island country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean, in the next three years.
The country expects 50 per cent increase in arrivals from India by this year-end. Enthused over the response from the Indians, the Philippines tourism board has planned to reach out to the Tier-II cities in India to promote Philippines as an exotic tourism destination.
Presently, its activity is focused on the four metros and is aiming to step up incentive travel from Bengaluru and Chennai. “In addition, we are tapping Bollywood and Tollywood to showcase Philippines as a destination for film shoots,” an official at Philippines tourism said.
The overall visitor arrivals to Philippines has reached 2,011,520, which is an increase of 10.54 per cent per cent compared to the arrivals recorded for the first five months in the year 2012. Philippines Tourism expects India to be among its top 10 source markets.
Source: www.deccanchronicle.com/130808/news-current-affairs/article/tamil-nadu%E2%80%88tourist-spots-be-plastic-free
