Tamil Nadu Weighs Paid Internships for Tourism Students, Unveils Upgraded TTDC Website

The Tamil Nadu government is examining a proposal to offer internships with stipends to tourism students within the Tourism Department, Tourism Minister S. Rajesh Kumar said on Sunday. The move is aimed at drawing students deeper into the department's activities, he added.

Speaking at the World Tourism Day celebrations in Coimbatore, where he launched an upgraded website for the Tamilnadu Tourism Development Corporation, the Minister outlined a series of infrastructure commitments. Facilities at the Thirumoorthy Dam are set to be improved at a cost of ₹19 crore, while ₹2 crore will be directed towards strengthening safety features at tourist destinations across the State.

Tamil Nadu, the Minister noted, holds considerable potential to emerge as the country's leading tourist destination, though it presently ranks seventh in visitor numbers. The department, he said, is adopting new digital tools to enhance the experience offered to travellers.

Tourism Director Raja Gopal Sunkara said efforts are focused on strengthening the Tamilnadu Tourism brand and delivering world-class experiences. He pointed to the example of Mamallapuram, where visitors queue for tickets issued by seven different authorities — a process that could be streamlined through digital tools. Alongside the revamped TTDC website, the department has introduced an AI video contest and an innovation challenge aimed at startups.

Coimbatore District Collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar said the district ranks second in the State for tourist arrivals. Its combination of educational institutions, healthcare facilities, wildlife and ancient sites, he said, gives it substantial room for tourism growth.