Kodagu to be promoted as tourism destination

Madikeri, Karnataka, Apr 15 (UNI) The Tourism department is keen on promoting heritage, eco and adventure tourism in Kodagu to woo tourists from across the globe, Tourism Commissioner Yogendra Tripati said today.

Addressing an interaction meeting during the Coorg Tourism and Coffee Festival here, he lauded private initiatives in Kodagu like Home Stays, entry of Mahindra holiday resorts and venture by Orange County.

Replying to accusations that the department was not initiating any project despite getting approvals, he said some of the projects were held up due to non-availability of land, change in power structure and introduction of new taxes. However, the Jungle Lodges and Resorts would complete its project at Dubare on the banks of river Cauvery near Kushalnagar shortly, he added.

Presiding over the meeting, FKCCI President S Babu assured to request the Government to reduce the 12.5 per cent tax imposed on coffee powder to four per cent as the export potential of coffee had come down. A multinational investors meet would be held in Kodagu to promote industries and production in the district.

District Chamber of Commerce General Secretary G Chidvilas appealed to the Tourism department to take up pending projects like developing Harangi Reservoir garden, Honnamana Kere at Somwarpet, improving Rajas Seat here and introducing ropeway to develop tourism industry in the district. He asked FKCCI to urge the Government to develop industrial estate at Kushalnagar, introduce cold storages in three taluks and start engineering and medical colleges in Kodagu.

A fashion show by Prasad Bidappa and musical night was organised in the evening.

UNI XR GD SKB2016