Karnataka to develop coastal tourism
Karnataka to develop coastal tourism to take on Kerala, Goa
Karnataka has great potential to develop its coastal tourism and the state should take steps to emulate the success of Kerala and Goa in this regard, speakers at the annual state conference of journalists stated in Mangalore on Monday.
A session on coastal development and tourism organised as part of the final day of the two-day 35th state conference under the aegis of KUWJ said Karnataka has a beautiful 320 km long coastline, which needs to be exploited better.
Speakers at the conference said the success that of Kerala and Goa in achieving its tourism potential should be a great example for Karnataka. M Rathnakar Hegde, chairman, Coastal Development Authority, who inaugurated the session said the sea and the rivers in the coastal districts are their major assets. Despite this, tourism has not grown to the expected level, he said.
The various tourism authorities in Karnataka need to work in tandem to tap this potential as part of the coastal tourism circuit, he added.
Ganesh Karnik, former legislator, who was the chief guest said Karnataka offers far more diversity in coastal tourism options compared to Goa and Kerala. “It is imperative for this diversity to be showcased to tourists, especially foreigners, so that tourism can be further developed locally. Apart from the tourism department, the district administration should join hands with stakeholders in giving the necessary fillip for tourism, not just in coastal areas, but in the interiors as well,” he said.
B A Viveka Rai, former vice-chancellor of Kannada University who chaired the session, hoped that the assurances made, and projects conceptualised for the development of the tourism potential of the coast do no end up as mere promises. “Local culture and practices should be highlighted in tapping this potential while creating employment for locals,” he said. A website that captures this diversity should be launched to attract tourists in droves to this place, he added.