“In 2007, 12.67 lakh tourists from Bengal visited Tamil Nadu and we are hoping the number to increase this year,” said M Rajaram, Managing Director of TTDC.

“We have started a programme ‘Virundhinar Potrudham’, similar to Atithi Deva Bhavam, where we have involved all the stakeholders including taxi and auto drivers, tourist guides and hotel owners. Auto drivers have been given training of various languages and tourist spots,” said Rajaram.

Besides the usual attractions like Mamallapuram, Kancheepuam, Ooty and Kodaikanal, TTDC is promoting new destinations like Yercaud, Vedanthangal bird sanctuary, Tiruchendur, Mundanthurai tiger sanctuary and Darasuram. Rajaram said TTDC could also arrange for adventure tourism like paragliding in Yellagiri. “Several people are going for medical tourism. We have all the major hospitals on board and we can suggest patient effective destinations for quick recovery,” he said. TTD is also offering attractive packages like one-day Tirumal Darshan tour.