Berlin, March 2026, Tamil Nadu, the southernmost state of India, renowned for its Ancient
Temples, Rich History, Literature, Architecture, Diverse Landscapes, and vibrant Cultural
Heritage, will participate in the ITB Berlin 2026, from March 3 to 5, 2026.

The relationship between Tamil Nadu and Germany is deeply rooted in history, culture,
education, and modern tourism cooperation. Over the centuries, both regions have shared
intellectual, religious, and commercial exchanges that continue to influence tourism and
cultural ties today. The presence of Tamil diaspora, who settled in Germany over the past few
decades are keen to travel to Tamil Nadu searching for their roots and to explore the land and
culture of their ancestors. Germany hosts one of the significant Tamil-speaking communities in
Europe.

In recent decades, Germany has emerged as one of the key European source markets for India.
German travellers often show keen interest in cultural tourism, heritage trails, wellness
tourism, eco-tourism, and experiential rural tourism.

Mrs. J. Innocent Divya, I.A.S., Commissioner of Tourism and Managing Director of TTDC said,
“Tamil Nadu Tourism is actively participating in ITB, Berlin consistently over the years
understanding its growing demand and potential for inbound tourism. A dedicated Tamil Nadu
Tourism pavilion in the event will promote the State’s rich tourism offerings and serve as a hub
for exploring partnerships.

Additionally, efforts will be made to strengthen ties, attracting investments in tourism, and
create synergies with industry agents and partners. Visitors can explore opportunities in
heritage tourism, eco-tourism, adventure travel, and cultural experiences, all highlighting Tamil
Nadu’s unique appeal to global travellers.

She also added that Tamil Nadu is well connected with 4 International Airports and 2 Domestic
Airports, around 6000 Kms of rail network and over 60,000 kms of last mile road connectivity
enabling travellers to explore the nook and corner of Tamil Nadu seamlessly being a perfect
choice of destination for the travellers from Germany to explore and experience.”

The recently conducted Tamil Nadu Global Tourism Summit 2026 marked a major milestone,
with a total of 127 MoUs signed, attracting ₹22,795 crore investment that opens for private
investment. Beyond the numbers, the focus was on niche tourism, from medical and caravan
tourism to agri, adventure & sports, eco tourism, and heritage experiences, bringing the Tamil
Nadu Tourism Policy 2023 to life with sustainable, high-value travel experiences. Ideas flowed
in panels and fireside chats on public-private partnership innovation, and developing the
diverse tourism experiences across the State. As instant outcome, the state has launched some
niche attractions and activities with private collaborations like Hot air balloon safari, Glow garden, and the state has relaunched its double decker Hop on Hop off service in Chennai and
to be extended its service soon in Ooty.

Tamil Nadu’s rich and diverse heritage is reflected not only in its iconic monuments but also in
its ancient Sangam literature, which flourished between 200 BCE and 300 CE. Home to 7
UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with more than 200 centrally protected heritage monuments,
around 750 Ancient temples built before 10th century, heritage churches build over the
centuries during the European colonization, Buddhist sites and Jain sites, the State’s spiritual
dimension is equally compelling, with its remarkable pilgrimage sites drawing visitors from near
and far.

Tamil Nadu is also home for variety of vibrant celebrations, like the Indian Dance Festival (Dec
to Jan), Tamil Nadu International Balloon Festival (Jan), and Tamil Nadu International Kite
Festival (Aug). The biggest festival in the Tamil calendar, Pongal is celebrated over a period of
four days in the middle of January each year. The most exciting of the traditional Pongal sports
is Jallikattu, a bull is released into a crowd of people who then try to grab the bull’s hump for as
long as possible. Recognizing its socio-cultural significance, a Jallikattu Heritage Museum and
the arena, set up in Madurai and maintained by TTDC to witness the vibrant culture and to
document the sport’s ancient origins, traditional gear, bull-breeding practices, and its portrayal
in Tamil literature and temple art.

The State’s natural environment with 17 Wildlife sanctuaries, 5 National parks, 17 Bird
sanctuaries and 5 Tiger reserves featuring the Biosphere Reserves (Nilgiris, Agasthiyarmalai, and
Gulf of Mannar), and Mangroves, is an oasis for adventure and outdoor enthusiasts. Activities
such as trekking, water sports, and safaris await those eager to explore. The State is also
renowned for its Geographical Indications (GI) tags, with a total of 74 distinct GI-tagged
products that highlight its rich artisanal heritage and unique regional specialities. In the heart of
the region, amid tea and spice plantations and traditional villages, travellers can immerse
themselves in the authentic Tamil way experience of life by staying in Homestays hosted by the
local communities.

Tamil Nadu is actively developing adventure tourism, with a variety of water sports such as
Surfing, Scuba diving and wind surfing along its nearly 1,076 kilometres of coastline; and other
segments such as Rural Tourism, Medical & Wellness Tourism and Eco-Tourism. The State’s
stunning natural environment is crowned by mountain ranges ideal for a summer getaway to its
hill stations, where lesser-known destinations such as Kolli Hills, Jawadhu Hills and Yercaud are
being developed.

Tamil Nadu is a land woven with centuries of living narratives—each heritage site, mountain,
and monument resonates with stories that continue to captivate, educate, and inspire. From sacred temples where devotion thrives, to biodiverse highlands, ancient urban settlements, and
aristocratic homes—every corner narrates a timeless tale.