The Hindu Business Line : Jt venture route urged to tap Karnataka's tourism potential

Luring tourists Taking the cue on the successful joint venture of Taj Karnataka in Chikmagalur, a joint venture between the Government and the Taj group, the Department was currently evaluating a proposal with Casino Group of Hotels in Hampi. Similar ventures were being planned in Hampi, Majali, Karwar and Gokarna.

Bangalore , March 25

Connect, the public-private partnership forum of the Tourism Department, has reinforced the initiatives taken to improve tourism related infrastructure to position Karnataka as a unique destination serving the multifarious interests of visitors.

The forum also felt encouraged by the higher budgetary allocation this year to Rs 52 crore from Rs 16 crore to commit new strategies and expedite implementation of projects and identify the key challenges that hindered tourism growth and development.

The Tourism Department has finalised several programmes, which include taking a focused approach to promoting tourism across the State catering to different segments of tourists in the newly developed eight circuits spanning 116 tourist destinations.

In a presentation at the Connect 2006 here, Ms L. Shantakumari, Principal Secretary, Department of Tourism, said steps had been taken to create a land bank through acquisition of land for tourism development in lesser-known destinations and entrust the task of developing and operating tourist complexes by private entrepreneurs.

Taking the cue on the successful joint venture of Taj Karnataka in Chikmagalur, a joint venture between the Government and the Taj group, the Department was currently evaluating a proposal with Casino Group of Hotels in Hampi. Similar ventures were being planned in Hampi, Majali, Karwar and Gokarna, she said.

The Deputy Chief Minister, Mr B.S. Yediyurappa, and the Minister for Tourism, Mr B. Sriramulu, also expressed the Government's support in tapping the tourism potential of the State.

While the private sector reiterated the hurdles in developing tourism in the State, Ms Shantakumari said the problems had to be overcome "together". She said her Department had identified 700 km of roads leading to various tourist destinations. These would be repaired and upgraded by Zilla Panchayats and the Public Works Department at a cost of Rs 50 crore.

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