In a significant push to elevate the State’s tourism profile, the Tamil Nadu Global Tourism Summit 2026 was inaugurated on 2 February at the UNESCO World Heritage site at Mamallapuram, drawing policymakers, investors and cultural ambassadors from around the globe. Over two days of deliberations and deal-making culminated in 127 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) worth ₹22,795 crore, with commitments expected to generate roughly 66,000 direct jobs, Chief Minister M. K. Stalin said at the closing session.
Addressing an audience that included global industry leaders and international delegates, Mr Stalin outlined a comprehensive roadmap to position Tamil Nadu as a premier experiential tourism hub, blending heritage, culture, sport and sustainable attractions. Key announcements included a ₹100 crore Special Area Development Authority for Mamallapuram to modernise its tourism infrastructure and an ambitious slate of themed projects across the State, from eco-tourism circuits to luxury hospitality ventures.
Among the marquee investments were a ₹6,200 crore multi-purpose sports stadium by Avid Sports Holdings and significant hospitality and adventure tourism initiatives by domestic and foreign companies. Projects ranging from luxury hotels in Dindigul to astro-tourism facilities in Ramanathapuram were inked, reflecting broad investor confidence in Tamil Nadu’s growth potential.
The summit also served as the stage for a major cultural announcement: Mr Stalin confirmed the inaugural Tamil Biennale, an international art and cultural festival scheduled for January 2027, aimed at deepening the State’s appeal among global art tourists and creative communities.
Reactions from political quarters were swift. The State’s Industries Minister TRB Rajaa lauded the summit as a turning point for tourism-led economic development in South India, while Tourism Minister K. Ramachandran highlighted the MoUs as evidence of Tamil Nadu’s investor-friendly climate.
Business forums and trade bodies also welcomed the outcomes, noting that the summit’s blend of policy clarity, single-window clearances and strategic branding could catalyse sustained growth in both domestic and international arrivals. Observers said the timing amid India’s broader push to promote regional tourism clusters positioned Tamil Nadu as a vibrant competitor on the global travel map.
As investors begin next steps on project implementation, the summit’s success signals a renewed confidence in Tamil Nadu’s ability to leverage its rich cultural tapestry and natural diversity for meaningful economic impact. This comes at a vital stage of strengthening India’s economy.
MSME Minister T.M. Anbarasan, Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam, Tourism Commissioner J. Innocent Divya, Managing Director and CEO, Guidance Tamil Nadu, Darez Ahamed, and Industries Secretary V. Arun Roy were among those present at the event.
The Major MoUs signed are as follows:
Project / Investment: Multi-Purpose Sports & Events Complex
Investor / Partner: Avid Sports Holdings
Sector: Sports tourism
MoU Value: ₹6,200 crore
Project / Investment: Luxury Hotels & Hospitality Projects
Investor / Partner: Multiple domestic and foreign groups
Sector: Hospitality
MoU Value: Approx. ₹4,800 crore
Project / Investment: Adventure & Astro-Tourism Projects
Investor / Partner: Mayakadal Adventures
Sector: Adventure and experiential tourism
MoU Value: ₹283 crore
Project / Investment: Theme Park Development (Imagicaa World)
Investor / Partner: Imagicaa World
Sector: Amusement and leisure tourism
MoU Value: ₹650 crore
Project / Investment: Amusement Parks and Resorts Expansion
Investor / Partner: Vingroup (VinWonders / Vinpearl)
Sector: Entertainment and hospitality
MoU Value: ₹1,000 crore and above
Project / Investment: Heritage and Cultural Complex near Mamallapuram
Investor / Partner: Mata Amritanandamayi Mandir Trust
Sector: Heritage and cultural tourism
MoU Value: ₹328 crore
Project / Investment: Eco-Tourism and Nature-Based Tourism Initiatives
Investor / Partner: Multiple investors
Sector: Eco-tourism and rural tourism
MoU Value: Over ₹2,000 crore (combined)
Project / Investment: Mamallapuram Development Authority Projects
Investor / Partner: Government of Tamil Nadu
Sector: Tourism infrastructure
MoU Value: ₹100 crore (state funding)
Project / Investment: Heritage Destination and Museum Upgrades
Investor / Partner: Government of Tamil Nadu
Sector: Cultural and heritage tourism
MoU Value: Ongoing state expenditure
