Karnataka's aggressive bid to woo Tourism Investors

Bangalore, Feb 12: A Tourism Investors Meet aimed at attracting some of the biggest and finest players in the hospitality business to destinations across Karnataka, will be inaugurated by Karnataka Governor Rameshwar Thakur here on February 14.

Disclosing this to newsmen here Information and Tourism Secretary I M Vittala Murthy said some of the leading hospitality brands would be represented at the meet including those from Hong Kong, Dubai, Malyasia, Britain and the United States of America. In all over 100 prime investors had registered to attend the meet titled 'Momentum,' he added.

Replying to queries he said the main aim was to open up three segments of the tourism industry and the focus would be on Heritage Tourism, Eco-Tourism and Coastal Tourism. The government had identified lands that would be open to investment either through long lease, joint ventures or other formats.

"We intend to open up the entire coast from Mangalore to Karwar as a continuing beach tourism zone. While eco tourism would be developed mainly in Madikeri, Chikmaglur and BR Hills, stress would be laid on heritage sites such as Hampi, Pattadakal, Aihole and Badami.

He said during next 90 days efforts would be made to ensure that the investors initiated the projects.

Answering a question he said the government would ensure proper and good road connectivity to almost all the tourist spots in the state. The Tourism department would also give Rs 40 crore to the Public Works Department to lay roads to the last kilometre in these spots. A proposal to provide Rs 100 crore to provide good roads in these areas in next three years was also awaiting clearance, he revealed saying that tenders had also been called for creation of 23 helipods.

He said 51 per cent of the business traffic that flowed into India was directed towards Bangalore. Over 6.70 lakh foreigners visited the state while the domestic tourists numbered 27 million during 2006.

He said a workshop would be held on February 26 to discuss the framing of the eco tourism policy.

UNI