Mangaluru, Sept 18: Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday called for a stronger tourism push in Mangaluru, saying the coastal city has considerable potential that remains to be fully showcased to visitors.

Shivakumar made the remarks during a breakfast interaction with Mangaluru-based social media influencers and content creators at Gandhi Square Cafe in the city.

The discussion centred on Mangaluru’s tourism prospects, hospitality infrastructure and opportunities for the younger generation. The Chief Minister said the city needed to make better use of its tourism potential and ensure that its attractions were effectively promoted to a wider audience.

One of the concerns he highlighted was the limited presence of high-end hospitality infrastructure in the city. Referring to the lack of five-star hotels, Shivakumar said Mangaluru needed greater investment in the hospitality sector to support tourism and attract more visitors.

He also drew attention to the city’s limited activity after evening hours, observing that Mangaluru becomes a “dead city” after 7 pm. The remark came in the context of the need for greater activity and tourism-oriented development beyond conventional daytime hours.

Shivakumar said social media creators could contribute to changing the perception of Mangaluru by showcasing the city’s attractions, local culture, food and other tourism possibilities to audiences beyond the region.

The Chief Minister also spoke about education and the need to create greater opportunities for young people, according to the interaction.

In a post on X after the meeting, Shivakumar described the gathering as an opportunity to hear young creators discuss “the city they love, the opportunities they see and the future they envision.”

He also highlighted the local character of the breakfast, mentioning Mangaluru buns, goli baje and shavige rasayana.

The interaction comes amid efforts to position Mangaluru as a destination that can combine its coastal attractions, food culture and other local experiences with improved tourism infrastructure.