The Hindu Business Line : Southern States plan forum to boost regional tourism

Bangalore, July 8 The southern States are exploring ways to boost tourism potential in the region by creating a platform and common programmes to promote regional tourism.

Mr K. Viswanatha Reddy, Director – Tourism, Government of Karnataka, said the States were planning to form a South India Tourism Forum or an outfit on similar lines to promote regional tourism. In this regard, he said that there will be a meeting of Secretaries from the tourism and transport departments in Bangalore soon.

Besides Karnataka, other States participating would be Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep. The Secretary-level meeting is expected to take place before September, said Mr Reddy. Following that, there would be a meeting of State ministers, he added.

Marketing efforts

Karnataka Tourism has been on an aggressive marketing drive to attract both domestic and international tourists to the State. With a mix of heritage, religious, eco-tourism, and beach destinations, the State tourism department officials feel that their aggressive marketing efforts have helped create better awareness.

“Today, Karnataka is a sought-after tourism destination in India. Hence, people’s expectations in terms of infrastructure are high. While we have done improvements to the existing amenities, roads and tourism-related infrastructure, we are also looking at the various ways to showcase the tourism potential of the State,” said Mr K. Jothiramalingam, Principal Secretary – Tourism, Government of Karnataka.

IATO Convention

Karnataka Tourism would host the three-day annual convention of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), which will also be the silver jubilee event for the latter, starting September 3 in Bangalore.

Mr Reddy said the department would utilise the event to update the trade on the new products, destinations and facilities available in the State. It would also help showcase investment opportunities in Karnataka, he added.

The theme at this year’s convention would be ‘Tourism — Managing the Downturn’. In the last six months, tourism arrivals in the country have come down by about 30 per cent, said Mr Vijay Thakur, President, IATO.

“We have been conducting roadshows in several countries to create awareness on India,” he said. The event would provide a platform for other southern States to showcase their tourism potential.

“One key topic to be discussed at the convention would be relating to how the southern States can boost regional tourism with their unique attractions. Besides, we would also talk about infrastructural issues and problems related to the tourism sector,” said Mr Thakur.

He added that the Indian Travel Mart would also be organised at the convention venue for trade members to showcase their products.

In a special drive to increase membership, Mr Thakur announced a 50 per cent discount on admission and membership fees, across all categories, for joining the IATO, which currently has about 350 members.

State Tourism Policy

The State Government is expected to come out with its new Tourism Policy soon. “In the next 3-4 weeks, the new policy would be placed before the Cabinet. We expect the new policy to be in place by the first week of August,” he said.

According to him, the policy would provide a greater role for private participation. “We would provide a great thrust on medical and wellness tourism in the State,” said Mr Jothiramalingam.

He added that the Union Government was working on conducting a “mega wellness event” in mid-October, which would see participation from States such as Kerala and Karnataka. “The Union Government would also prepare guidelines for wellness providers in consultation with the National Board of Hospitals and State Governments,” said Mr Jothiramalingam.

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