Chennai roadshow draws over 130 tour operators; Tamil-language presentation highlights state’s tourism potential and opens avenues for new business partnerships
Chennai, September 2, 2026: Chhattisgarh is stepping up efforts to tap the lucrative South Indian tourism market, with the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board organising a major roadshow in Chennai to promote the state’s destinations, tourism products and investment opportunities.
Organised in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the roadshow attracted more than 130 travel agents and tour operators from Chennai. Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings between tourism stakeholders from Chhattisgarh and Tamil Nadu generated significant interest in developing tour packages, facilitating tourist groups and building long-term business partnerships.
The initiative was aimed at positioning Chhattisgarh as an emerging tourism destination in South India and creating stronger linkages between the state’s tourism industry and major markets in the region.
Chhattisgarh Tourism Board Chairman Nilu Sharma addressed the gathering and highlighted the state’s growing tourism potential. He called upon tourism professionals in Chennai to explore the diverse opportunities available in Chhattisgarh and promote the state among travellers from Tamil Nadu and other southern states.
Tourism Department Secretary Dr S. Bharathidasan, IAS, and Chhattisgarh Tourism Board Managing Director Saumil Ranjan Chaubey, IAS, were also present. Chaubey made a detailed presentation on the state’s major tourist destinations, tourism products and investment opportunities.
Chhattisgarh tourism showcased in Tamil
A major highlight of the roadshow was the presentation of Chhattisgarh’s tourism destinations and attractions in Tamil for the first time. The initiative was aimed at establishing a stronger cultural and emotional connect with tourism professionals and potential visitors from Tamil Nadu.
Dr Bharathidasan, while addressing the participants in Tamil and English, highlighted Chhattisgarh’s rich natural landscapes, cultural traditions and heritage attractions. He stressed the importance of connecting the state’s tourism offerings with major tourism markets across the country.
Strong interest from Chennai’s tourism industry
The event provided tourism entrepreneurs from Chhattisgarh and Chennai an opportunity for direct interaction. During the B2B sessions, participants discussed possibilities for promoting Chhattisgarh destinations, organising tourist groups and developing new tourism products and packages.
The response from Chennai’s tourism industry was described as encouraging, with participants showing keen interest in exploring Chhattisgarh as a new destination for travellers from South India.
Among those present were S. Padmavathi, Assistant Director, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India; Jaspreet Singh Bhatia, Chairperson, FICCI Chhattisgarh Tourism Committee and President, FICCI Chhattisgarh; Sriharan Balan, Co-convener, FICCI Tamil Nadu State Council; and Dr V.P. Jeyaseelan, IAS, Director, Tamil Nadu Tourism.
Chhattisgarh connection adds personal touch
The roadshow also witnessed the participation of senior Chhattisgarh-cadre IAS officers K.C. Devasenapathi and Alex Paul Menon, who are currently posted in Chennai. Both officers shared their experiences and personal association with Chhattisgarh, while highlighting the state’s tourism potential.
Their participation added a distinctive personal and cultural dimension to the event, bringing together administrative officials, tourism entrepreneurs and industry representatives associated with both states.
The Chennai roadshow thus went beyond tourism promotion, providing a platform for strengthening business, cultural and people-to-people connections between Chhattisgarh and Tamil Nadu.
The Tourism Board expects the initiative to help expand Chhattisgarh’s presence in the South Indian tourism market, attract more visitors from the region and create fresh opportunities for tourism-related investment and partnerships.
