The Hindu Business Line : Karnataka Tourism forms district panels

Mangalore, Feb. 5 Karnataka Tourism Department is decentralising developmental activities by forming a regional committee headed by the District Deputy Commissioner and is also appointing a dedicated tourism executive for every district, said Dr C. Somashekhara, Director of Department of Tourism.

Speaking at the one-day ‘Tourism Conclave’, jointly organised by the Karnataka Tourism Department and Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), here on Tuesday, he said that this will help in taking decisions at a faster pace and in better coordination.

Stating that lot of these developmental projects needed close monitoring and coordination with various departments and bodies, he said the department is appointing one dedicated tourism executive for every district to act as a nodal point between the District Tourism Committee, the Tourism Department and other coordination points to see that developmental projects are done in a systematic manner.

He said that ‘tourism clubs’ are being introduced and developed with the help of various educational institutions.

A substantial part of the budget allocations of Rs 148 crore, which has been earmarked for the development of tourism, is being deployed for tourism infrastructure projects. Four tourism circuits have been identified for development in the state. They are: Belur-Halebeedu-Shravanabelagola-Madikeri-Mysore-Srirangapatna-Somnathpura-Shimsha; Shimoga- Thirthahalli-Agumbe-Jog-Manga- lore; Hampi-Badami-Aihole-Pattadakal-Koodalasangama-Bijapur; and Mangalore-Udupi- Dharmasthala-Kollur-Maravanthe-Murudeshwara-Gokarna.

He said the Department of Tourism is planning to create tourism infrastructure in two places in each circuit. These PPP projects will be funded under Viability Gap Funding.

Under an integrated ‘Coastal Circuit’ developmental project, some beach strips in Dakshina Kannada district are being developed, he said.

Dr Somashekhara said that Bangalore will host the first ever investment summit for tourism projects on February 14.

Those lands or areas that are conducive to investments in tourism will be showcased to an array of international and national level tourism sector investors in this meet.

New products and schemes are being developed to drive traffic into various parts of the state, he added.

Mr K. Narasimha Prabhu, President of KCCI, said that there is a need for a single window agency for tourism related projects in the state. The Government should look into this matter.

More Stories on : Tourism | Karnataka

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page