Pitching for coastal tourism
To leverage over 300 kilometres of virgin coastline, the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) plans to focus on developing coastal tourism.
The state is currently in the process of formulating a plan to develop tourist facilities, infrastructure and
seaplane services along the Karnataka coast. This information was revealed by
CD Dyavaiah, Managing
Director, KSTDC.
Dyavaiah said, “KSTDC plans to develop these facilities on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) basis. Once the policy is finalised over the next couple of months, we will be in a position to reveal more details.”
Dyavaiah also said that KSTDC was keen to launch intra- state air services. He said that KSTDC had invited expressions of interest from private players to launch these services but that it was yet in the planning phase.
“This will boost tourism in the state and we are working on a strategy to ensure the long-term sustainability of the service.”
Positioning Karnataka as a culture and heritage destination for the domestic segment, the state plans to promote Hampi, Mysore and Gokarna to attract tourists from all over the country. Further, state tourism development corporation also plans to conduct roadshows later this year in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata, according to Dyavaiah.
Karnataka has also signed an MoU with Andhra Pradesh for cross promotion of tourism in both states earlier this month.
The possibility of extending Karnataka’s Golden Chariot train to Andhra Pradesh was also mooted. "We are extremely happy to associate with Andhra Pradesh government for this MoU. We are optimistic that this will be a step forward in terms of increasing tourism initiatives in both states," Dyavaiah said.