Chennai attracts foreigners

Chennai attracts the largest number of foreign tourists among Indian cities, the reason being its history, heritage and healthcare. Chennai attracted the highest number of foreign tourists in 2009 with its temples, beaches and historical and cultural centres. Several foreigners are attracted to Tamil language and love to visit places such as Mammallapuram.Tourism secretary V Irai Anbu said, Foreign tourist arrivals saw an impressive 40% increase in the first half of this year compared to the corresponding period last year. Chennai also serves as the gateway to the rest of the south with tourists landing here and heading out in search of rolling grasslands, dense sholas, breathtaking waterfalls, picturesque tea plantations, spectacular mountains, fabulo us trekking trails, ancient temples and heritage sites.While foreign tourists contributed about Rs 20,000 crore to the state economy last year, domestic tourism brought in around Rs 5,500 crore. Sri Lankans top the list of foreigners visiting Chennai the reason being close cultural links. Malaysia, Singapore UK, France and US follow in terms of highest number of foreign tourist arrivals in Chennai.Chennai is also a Mecca for medical tourism. TTDC has identified Meditour India, a voluntary non-profit medical organization, as the nodal agency to promote wellness tourism.