State govt. to release separate tourism policy for coastal Karnataka, says D.K. Shivakumar

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stated on January 10 that the State government will unveil a separate tourism policy for coastal Karnataka after consulting with stakeholders.

Addressing a gathering after inaugurating the Coastal Karnataka Tourism Conclave, Mr. Shivakumar said that the conclave will seek inputs from investors, elected representatives of the coastal region and tourism stakeholders before finalising the draft of the policy. The draft policy will be tabled before the Cabinet for its approval before announcing the policy.

Framing a separate tourism policy for coastal Karnataka is insufficient; a financial structure for tourism projects must also be planned, he said.

Mr. Shivakumar said that despite its pristine beaches, rich knowledge base and natural resources, tourism in coastal Karnataka has not flourished as expected.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts are educational and healthcare hubs that produce skilled workers, yet many still seek jobs abroad or in other cities. He noted that there’s a need for tourism projects to create local employment opportunities.

U. T. Khader, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and Mangaluru MLA, said there is a need for a land bank to attract tourism investors. He suggested that, similar to the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) acquiring land for industries, the government should establish a land bank to promote beach and river tourism.

Captain Brijesh Chowta, Member of Parliament, Dakshina Kannada, stated that the potential of Sasihitlu beach in Mangaluru for promoting adventure sports should be fully explored. In addition, Ullal can be declared as a heritage village in memory of Rani Abbakka who fought against the Portuguese Army between 1530 and 1599.

V. Sunil Kumar, former minister and Karkala MLA, said that there is immense potential to promote temple, eco and beach tourism in the coastal belt. Regulations pertaining to eco sensitive zones should be relaxed to promote eco tourism in the belt.

Uttara Kannada Member of Parliament Vishveshwara Hegde Kageri noted that nature and tourism must go together. Tourism projects should not harm the environment.