Lt. Governor Governor K. Kailashnathan has instructed officials to work toward speedy implementation of all the modalities connected with the Rs. 500 crore multi-product tourism project proposed in Manapet.

The Lt Governor, who visited Palmyra Beach in the Manapet- Moorthikuppam- Pudukuppam belt, reviewed the plan and urged all concerned to expedite the ground work on the project, given its potential to give an impetus to the already growing tourism sector and to further develop Puducherry as a sought-after tourist destination, a press note from the Raj Nivas said.

A draft project report to develop the 100-acre site into a Special Tourism Zone (STZ) on a Public Private Partnership basis, has been submitted to the Union Government for clearance. The draft report for the STZ has pitched for a host of facilities, including an upmarket hotel, with a 200-room capacity, a conference hall, amusement park, and parking lot, the Raj Nivas said.

The government plans to offer a diversified tourism experience in the seaside site such as MICE (meetings, incentives, conferencing and exhibitions) events, leisure and adventure sports.

According to the press note, it was highlighted during the discussions that once the STZ project goes on stream, the government could expect to garner an annual revenue of about Rs. 40-50 crore. Besides, the area would also benefit from economic development and job opportunities for about 1,000 persons.

The representatives of the consultancy firm tasked with formulating the detailed project report, briefed the Lt Governor.

D. Manikandan, Secretary to the Lt. Governor and Tourism Secretary, K. Muralidharan, Tourism Director and Revenue Department officials were present for the review.