K'taka to be developed into world-class tourism destination

Mysore, May 16 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy said his government will make all possible efforts to develop the state into a world class tourist destination, Speaking after inaugurating the two-day 'Karnataka Tourism Expo 2006,' organised by FICCI here yesterday, he said the state had increased the budgetary allocation to the tourism sector to Rs 52 crore from Rs 21 crore. The additional funds would mainly be spent on improving facilities at various tourist destinations across the state.

Stating that Karnataka had much more to offer tourists besides the traditional Bangalore, Mysore and Hampi, Mr Kumaraswamy said a new world of tourism was opening up for the world to see and discover.

He said the state government had decided to build an Integrated International Convention Centre near the International airport coming up at Devanahalli. The centre, to be built under a public-private partnership, would have a seating capacity of 5,000.

There were also plans to set up a Centre for Tourism Studies as part of thee Human Resources Development programme.

Mr Kumaraswamy also said Rs 16 crore had been released to expedite the work on the luxury train, ''Palace on Wheels.'' Orders had already been placed for special coaches for the purpose and it was expected to be delivered by March next.

He said under the Jawarharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, Rs 312 crore had been allocated for Mysore to promote tourism in the next five years. Besides taking of renovation of heritage buildings, a cultural centre, golf club and convention hall would also be built under the programme, he added.

The state had been closely working with the Centre to develop tourism-related infrastructure. It was also conscious of the environmental and socio-cultural impact of growth on local communities due to rapid development. Several proposals were being considered to empower the local population to be drivers of this new thrust, Mr Kumaraswamy added.

He exuded confidence that the Expo would help the state in achieving the objective of promoting Karnataka as a world class tourism destination.

Speaking on the ocassion, Tourism Minister B S Sriramulu said the government had initiated steps to promote eco-tourism in an organised manner. It was also ready to support the medical fraternity in promoting health tourism.

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