Adopt a destination, says Karnataka
Over 50 destinations in the state are open for collaboration with the private sector to make them more tourist-friendly. Also, two new eco-trails Castle Rock and Kuduremukh have been inaugurated.
Celebrating World Tourism Day under the theme of ‘Tourism and Community Development’, Karnataka Tourism launched a first of its kind scheme to involve the private sector towards the upkeep, maintenance and development of select tourist attractions in the state. Of the 319 destinations that have been earmarked for tourism, nearly 50 are open for such collaboration with the aim of making them more tourist-friendly.
Speaking on the occasion, RV Deshpande, Minister for Tourism and Higher Education, said, Development Board and Jungle Lodges & Resorts, which involves trekking in selected eco systems on a pre-designated route under a leadership of a trained guide. “There is great enthusiasm among youth of the IT capital to visit eco-spots in Karnataka, but they have been doing so in an unorganised way,” observed Deshpande.
The event was also attended by Arvind Jadhav, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary-Tourism, G Sathyavathi, IAS, Director –Tourism, Vinay Luthra, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator Forests and members of the Karnataka Tourism Vision Group Mohandas Pai and Kiran MazumdarShaw.