Mangaluru: Karnataka tourism department director and Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) managing director Rajendra KV directed the district administration to map the coastal area from Batapady Beach to Sasihithlu Beach as part of tourism development efforts.
Speaking at Connect 2024, an interactive session with travel, tourism, and hospitality stakeholders from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, organised by the department of tourism and Karnataka Tourism Society on Wednesday, he stressed the importance of zoning the coastal stretch."This process would involve identifying land parcels and marking permissible and non-permissible activities to ensure well-planned and sustainable development along the coast. All necessary clearances for these activities will be provided at the state level," he said.
Noting the growing demand for experiential tourism among young travellers, Rajendra stressed on the need to create an ecosystem, while ensuring responsible tourism that protects nature. The region has the potential for medical tourism, given the presence of nine medical colleges and several hospitals.
Rajendra said that the work on state tourism policy is on, with a dedicated chapter on coastal tourism, which will incorporate constructive suggestions from stakeholders received during the Connect 2024 session. He projected that domestic tourist visits to Karnataka could reach 49 crore by 2029, with a target of attracting 20 lakh foreign tourists.
Meanwhile, Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner Mullai Muhilan MP also stressed the importance of building an ecosystem to position Mangaluru as a choice tourist destination. "An estimated 30-35% of travellers arriving at Mangaluru Airport are either solo or with a partner. The airport serves as a gateway due to its connectivity to New Delhi and other places, making it a popular transit destination for those heading to Madikeri or Chikkamagaluru. There is a need to make the district a choice destination and those on business trips and other purposes to the district should be encouraged to stay for an additional day or two to explore local attractions," he said.
Though there is a rise in religious tourism in the district, the DC pointed out that adventure tourism, particularly surfing, presents significant opportunities and potential. However, he acknowledged that coastal regulation zone regulations are a challenge for potential investments in the tourism sector.
There is a need for a coastal-specific investors' meeting. The region's strengths must be identified and a master plan for tourism promotion must be developed. Through the Coastal Karnataka Tourism Development Council, efforts will focus on blending the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage with tourism initiatives, to transform tourism into a thriving industry, he added.