Tamil Nadu Deepens France Tourism Ties With Major Showcase At IFTM Top Resa Paris

Tamil Nadu has strengthened its international tourism outreach by showcasing its heritage, culture, cuisine and diverse travel experiences at IFTM Top Resa 2026 in Paris, as the southern Indian state seeks deeper engagement with France and wider European markets.

The Department of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu, participated in the leading international travel trade event from September 15 to 17, 2026, using the Paris platform to connect with French travel professionals, international buyers and tourism stakeholders.

Why Was Tamil Nadu’s Participation At IFTM Top Resa Important?

The participation provided Tamil Nadu with an opportunity to present the destination directly to the international travel trade while developing relationships that could support future visitor flows, partnerships and product development.

Under the guidance of Thiru C. Joseph Vijay, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, and with the participation of Thiru S. Rajeshkumar, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, the state delegation focused on positioning Tamil Nadu as a destination offering more than conventional sightseeing.

The Tamil Nadu stand brought together senior tourism officials, tour operators, hoteliers, Destination Management Companies, tourism businesses and other industry representatives. Their presence enabled discussions around destination promotion, itinerary development, B2B opportunities and future cooperation.

Which Tamil Nadu Experiences Were Presented To European Travellers?

Tamil Nadu used the event to highlight a broad portfolio built around its living heritage and cultural diversity.

The presentation included UNESCO World Heritage Sites, historic temples, classical arts, spirituality, gastronomy, wildlife, beaches, hill stations, wellness, crafts and traditional communities. Established destinations such as Mamallapuram, Thanjavur, Madurai, Rameswaram, Kumbakonam, Chettinad, the Nilgiris and Kanniyakumari were featured alongside emerging destinations.

Pichavaram, Kolli Hills, Valparai, Yercaud, Yelagiri, Tharangambadi, Dhanushkodi, Gingee and Kancheepuram were also promoted, giving international travel professionals a wider view of the state beyond its most recognised attractions.

This approach allows Tamil Nadu to connect multiple tourism themes within a single journey, from architecture and spirituality to nature, food and slower-paced experiences.

How Did Tamil Nadu Promote Its Culinary Tourism?

Food was another significant part of the destination showcase, reflecting the state’s considerable regional diversity.

Tamil Nadu promoted Chennai and Madurai food trails, Chettinad cuisine, Kongu Nadu specialities, temple food traditions and coastal seafood experiences. These culinary products can be incorporated into cultural itineraries, allowing visitors to experience local traditions through markets, restaurants, regional recipes and community-linked food experiences.

The state also highlighted premium tourism options, including heritage stays, curated dining, private cultural encounters, wellness retreats and personalised itineraries. Boutique and heritage accommodation were positioned as complementary elements for travellers seeking more distinctive experiences.

What Sustainable Tourism Opportunities Were Highlighted?

Tamil Nadu also placed emphasis on responsible and community-based tourism, reflecting the growing importance of locally connected experiences within international travel.

The showcase included rural and agri-tourism, local food, handloom and handicrafts, ecotourism and wildlife experiences. Festival-based travel, cultural encounters and family- and senior-friendly itineraries were also presented as opportunities suitable for different visitor segments.

The focus on year-round tourism is particularly relevant for international markets because it allows travel businesses to develop products across different seasons rather than relying on a single peak period.

What Is Tamil Nadu Planning For International Tourism In 2027–28?

The Paris engagement also provided a platform to promote 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.

The proposed portfolio also includes rural and agri-tourism, Astro Tourism, boutique accommodation, and food and handicraft experiences. Together, these products indicate an effort to diversify Tamil Nadu’s international tourism offering and create more specialised experiences for overseas visitors.

Tamil Nadu Tourism also promoted the Discover Tamil Nadu – International Edition 2026–27 FAM initiative, designed for travel professionals and international storytellers through its dedicated platform.

How Will The France Partnership Support Tamil Nadu Tourism?

Engagement at IFTM Top Resa created a direct setting for Tamil Nadu Tourism to interact with the French travel trade and other international tourism stakeholders. Discussions covered destination information, B2B engagement, itinerary creation, tourism promotion and potential future collaboration.

The state’s participation also brought together Indian government and trade representatives, including officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Embassy of India in Paris and India Trade Promotion Organisation.

By combining established cultural landmarks with emerging destinations, culinary routes, nature-based travel and community experiences, Tamil Nadu is presenting a broader tourism proposition to France and Europe. The IFTM Top Resa showcase therefore forms part of the state’s wider effort to expand international tourism partnerships and strengthen people-to-people connections through travel.