Mangalore, September 24: A seminar-cum-interaction meet on 'Future of Coastal Tourism' was organised on the eve of World Tourism Day 2011; jointly by the State Dept. of Tourism, DK Zilla Panchayat, Mangalore Association of Coastal Tourism and Pananmbur Beach Tourism Dev. Organisation in the presence of senior officials of the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) and Deputy Speaker N Yogish Bhat at Hotel Moti Mahal, Falnir here on Saturday.
Dr. Sundar Naik IFS, MD KSTDC informed the select gathering that they were doing a lot of work in the coastal belt with ample help from State Govt. There were tour packages with tour buses plying between Bangalore and Mangalore via Subrahmanya - a tourist hotspot, accommodation at Dharmasthala, Kukke Subrahmanya temples etc. Land is leased out at Kadri, Malpe all for tourist infrastructure as part of tourism initiative. “Sky is the limit that is the kind of work we are proposing to do,” he declared.
According to Dr. Naik interaction and communication is crucial so that tourism dept. could make a note of several projects in the offing. He said his dept. is open to criticism and exhorted the audience to discuss an all-inclusive tourism strategy for the development of the region. There are many issues pertaining to hospitality which needs to be tackled urgently in order to make the coastal belt of Karnataka a popular destination for tourists, he added
The interactive meet threw up several vital suggestions from the stake-holders as also representatives of the tourism industry in the audience. Some of the highpoints to boost tourism were as follows: Operation of cruise ships between Mangalore and Lakshadweep, promotion of water sports and deep-sea diving by Govt., branding Mangalore city on the lines of Mysore and Hampi as also from Kerala. Others urged for proper sanitation facilities, better transportation and logistics, hospitality and transparency in dealing by localities, adequate policing at beaches. Promotion of tourist spots in DK on virtual websites and boards in cities to be both in English and Kannada.
Other proposals were promotion of aqua-marine tourism, home-stays, up-gradation of health tourism, eco-friendly measures in form of proper waste management, setting up of information desks/centers - 'Kiosks,' attractively designed brochures and detailed maps for tourists. One of the most important suggestions made was to have an IAS officer to oversee coastal tourism, as a single-window clearance to give proper direction to all tourism related initiatives. Erold a 92.7 FM RJ suggested an open bus to take tourists on sight-seeing tours as also trekking adventures.
Mr Yogish Bhat in his speech declared that the audience had given very important suggestions. He said he would definitely consider the suggestion for an IAS officer overseeing tourism, seriously and first try it out in three districts. With regard to all problems cited by the members he said his govt. would look into the same and come up with solutions. According to him builders, contractors, architects, general public all need to apply their minds together and take responsibility for developing tourism in the state.
Bhat then went on to reel out the amounts sanctioned by the State Govt. with regard to infrastructure and tourism related projects totaling to Rs. 24.30 Crores. He also spoke about night-safari, cruise tourism, health tourism and about the world-class golf course coming-up at Tannir Bhavi with Private Public Participation (PPP) and side by side an international cricket stadium. Bhat concluded with the optimistic words on tourism in State “Future is brilliant and this prediction is very true”
Others present at the meet were Yathish Baikampady, Manohar Shetty, Lekshmi Kumaran, Prakash (Assistant Director – KSTDC) and others.
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