Tourism policy to incorporate people’s view

Express News Service First Published : 14 May 2009 03:58:00 AM IS
TLast Updated : 14 May 2009 09:30:18 AM IST

BANGALORE: The much-delayed Karnataka Tourism Policy 2009 will incorporate the suggestions and recommendations made by the public, before it is placed before the cabinet for approval.


K Jyothiramalingam, principal secretary, department of tourism participating in the Karnataka Tourism Forum (KTF) meet on Wednesday said that though the Karnataka Tourism Policy draft was ready to be placed before the cabinet for approval, suggestions and responses from the public would be taken by placing the draft on the tourism department’s website.

“The delay in implementing the policy has been worth it as we want to ensure that suggestions from all quarters are taken. We have already had a detailed discussion with all the government departments, KTF, FKCCI and major hospitals in the state.

In order to improve upon it, we are also open to suggestions and responses before taking it to the cabinet for approval,” he said.

Jyothiramalingam added that in order to give tourism a major boost in both Karnataka and other southern states, the concept of a southern tourism forum will be formulated along with Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Pondicherry.

“In order to popularise the tourist destinations in the south, we will like to set up a southern tourism forum like the Delhi-Agra-Jaipur golden triangle in the north,” he said.

He also said that a slew of initiatives had been taken to improve the infrastructure facilities like roads and hotels at various tourist destinations.

“Airports in Gulbarga, Shimoga, Hassan and Bijapur have been identified. At Hampi, 15 acres of land have been given to Jungle Lodges and Resorts. Besides, an integrated management plan will be put in place by the end of June,” he said.

On the proposed night safari at Bannerghatta National Park, he said Rs 174 crore will spent for the purpose, which will make it better than the night safaris in Singapore.

What ails Karnataka tourism?

Lack of proper road connectivity, absence of highway restrooms, high service, sales and luxury taxes, absence of a proper tourism calendar, identity crisis, poor branding and the 11 pm deadline for bars are factors that ail Karnataka tourism.

Pramod Shankar, managing director of Pramod Shankar Associates, said that Karnataka suffered from an identity crisis and that the 11 pm deadline in cities like Bangalore had done little to improve its image.