The Hindu Business Line : Multi-state cooperative society to promote tourism

TO tap the potential of tourism in Karnataka, Kerala and Goa, cooperatives of these States have come together to form a multi-state cooperative society.

Bharathi Tourism Development Cooperative Ltd (BTDCL) with its headquarters at Panjim in Goa is one of the pioneering attempts in the country to establish, develop and promote tourism business upholding the cooperative principles, according to its Director, Mr K. Ramachandra Bhat.

Addressing presspersons here on Friday, he said that BTDCL desires to cater to the much-ignored Indian middle class tourists. The motto of the organisation is to provide quality service at the most affordable levels. It intends to promote tourism and hospitality services based on pure Indian culture.

In Karnataka, Bharathi Tourism will develop and promote adventure tourism in the initial phase. Stating that Karnataka has a wide range of western ghats, rivers and beaches to promote this package, he said the organisation has identified Kumara Parvata near Subramanya in Dakshina Kannada, and Kotachadri near Kollur and Seetanadi near Hebri in Udupi district for trekking, river rafting, boating and other adventure tourism related activities. BTDCL will focus on school students and youth to promote this package.

It has identified several areas, including arecanut, coffee and vanilla planatations, to promote farm tourism in the region, he said.

The former Union Minister and North Goa MP, Mr Sripad Y. Naik, will formally launch the organisation, and the Goa Chief Minister, Mr Manohar Parikkar, will inaugurate the new office premises at Panjim on November 14. Dr Avinash Acharya, President of Sahakara Bharathi, will preside over the function, Mr Bhat added.