Tamil Nadu Tourism has stepped up its engagement with the French and wider European travel trade at IFTM Top Resa in Paris, showcasing the state’s heritage, culture, cuisine and diverse tourism experiences.
Tamil Nadu Tourism participated in IFTM Top Resa in Paris from September 15 to 17, 2026, using the international travel trade platform to strengthen engagement with France and the wider international tourism market. The state delegation included tourism officials, industry representatives, tour operators, hoteliers, Destination Management Companies (DMCs) and other stakeholders.
The participation was led by Thiru S. Rajeshkumar, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu, with participation from Thiru Suvasish Das, IFS, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India; Smt. Richa Gulati, First Secretary, Embassy of India, Paris; Col Pushpam Kumar, Senior General Manager, India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO); and Mr. Ravi Prakash Pareek, Deputy General Manager, ITPO New Delhi.
- At the event, Tamil Nadu presented a range of its tourism offerings, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites, temples, classical arts, spirituality, gastronomy, wildlife, beaches, hill stations, wellness, crafts and living traditions. Established destinations such as Mamallapuram, the Great Living Chola Temples at Thanjavur, Madurai, Rameswaram, Kumbakonam, Chettinad, the Nilgiris and Kanniyakumari were part of the showcase, alongside emerging destinations including Pichavaram, Kolli Hills, Valparai, Yercaud, Yelagiri, Tharangambadi, Dhanushkodi, Gingee and Kancheepuram.
The state also highlighted its culinary offerings through Chennai and Madurai food trails, Chettinad and Kongu Nadu cuisine, temple food traditions and coastal seafood. Premium experiences presented to the trade included heritage stays, private cultural encounters, curated dining, wellness retreats and personalised itineraries, along with boutique and heritage accommodation.
Responsible and community-based tourism formed another part of the presentation, with rural and agri-tourism, local food, handloom and handicrafts, ecotourism and wildlife experiences being highlighted. Festival and cultural experiences, family and senior-friendly itineraries, and year-round travel opportunities were also presented for the French and European markets.
Tamil Nadu Tourism held B2B interactions with the French travel trade and international tourism stakeholders, covering destination promotion, information sharing, itinerary development and discussions on future collaboration. The department also promoted the “Discover Tamil Nadu – International Edition 2026–27” FAM initiative for travel professionals and international storytellers.
Looking ahead, the state used the event to present tourism products planned for 2027–28. These include heritage and architecture circuits, culinary tourism, ecotourism and wildlife, adventure and water-based experiences, wellness and slow travel, rural and agri-tourism, Astro Tourism, boutique accommodation, and food and handicraft experiences.
The Government of Tamil Nadu said the participation provided a platform to strengthen tourism cooperation and people-to-people ties between Tamil Nadu, France and the wider international tourism community.
Shreya Bansal is a reporter at TravTalk India, covering the travel and tourism industry. She brings a keen eye for emerging trends, trade developments, and the stories shaping the travel landscape. Through in-depth reporting and on-ground insights, she connects industry stakeholders with news that matters. Beyond travel, Shreya has a growing interest in the premium lifestyle space, particularly the world of fine jewellery and is eager to explore the craftsmanship, culture, and commerce that define luxury living.