The Karnataka Department of Tourism has called for request for proposals (RFPs) for 18 projects in the State to be developed under the public-private partnership (PPP) model.

“We had called for expressions of interest in April and received 105 responses for 15 tourism projects in the State. The positive market response has encouraged us to call for bids for 18 projects,” Ms Latha Krishna Rau, Principal Secretary – Tourism, told Business Line .

The tourism department received responses from hospitality and real estate players in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Jammu and Kashmir, and Delhi, besides Karnataka, she said.

According to her, the tourism department had envisaged an investment of about Rs 2,000 crore for these 15 projects. However, Ms Rau declined to comment on the expected investments in these 18 projects.

The tourism department hopes to facilitate tourism in the State by provision of the required infrastructure, and it has invited proposals for development of theme parks, resorts, convention centres, family urban recreation centres, adventure sports, wayside amenities, etc.

Some of the projects for which bids have been invited are situated close to World Heritage Centres, pointed out Ms Rau. The tourism department owns these government lands, and “we want private sector to come in with their own ideas and brands”, she said.

These projects will be located at Pilikula, Mysore, Bijapur, Belur (near Yagachi Dam), Jog, Shantisagar Lake, Kerrethonur Lake, Anekal, Sakleshpur, Pattadakal, Badami, Barkur, Trasi Beach, Belur (Halabeedu-Belur Road), Ilavala (Mysore), Hampi, and Agumbe.

There is one more project near Mangalore, where the tourism department plans to develop an aquamarine park. “This project at Thanirbhavi Beach will require international bidding, and this will be done soon,” she said.

Proposals will have to be submitted by July 12 this year.

>anju@thehindu.co.in

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