Face to face with Iraiyanbhu, I. A. S.

Q: What kinds of job opportunities, direct or indirect, are available to unemployed youth?

A: The youth can work in various capacities as travel agents, tour directors, guides, manufacturer of handicrafts, owners of lodges or bazaars, drivers or staff of the hospitality industry etc. On an average, local tourists stay from 4 to 5 days while foreigners stay up to 7 days. A foreign tourist spends Rs. 2252 on an average while a local tourist spends Rs. 711 per day while on tour. A major proportion of this money is spent on services. Every investment of Rs. 10 lakh in tourism creates job opportunities at the rate of 47.5%.

Q: The tourists are not that happy while returning from tour when compared with their state of mind at the beginning of the tour, the reason being the inconveniences they experience during touring. What arrangements have been made to make touring a happier experience?

A: If only the culture of tourism and cleanliness of the atmosphere go hand in hand as a joint issue, nobody could overtake us in tourism. We’ve that much of tourist spots. The drivers at the airports and railway stations create a wrong impression about our country. We are trying to make all those connected with tourism like businessmen, drivers, lodge owners, servers, airport staff part of our efforts at improving tourism by creating awareness on the importance of tourism.

Q: Tell us something about Kalyaanamalai which helps arrange marriages …

A: Kalyaanamalai is a sweet effort at binding minds of a man and a woman through the institution of marriage. If the marriage works, life becomes full, or else it ends. Best couples can exchange their views even without talking! They perform their duties towards the world also properly. I am happy that Kalyaanamalai is functioning and progressing well with this noble aim as its motto.