Bengaluru, August 21: The Karnataka government is in the process of drafting a comprehensive tourism policy aimed at boosting the coastal and Malnad regions. Energy and Tourism Minister K.J. George announced on Friday that the draft is expected to be ready by September 7.
This announcement comes at a time when certain parts of coastal Karnataka are viewed as communally sensitive areas, having previously witnessed incidents of violence driven by political and communal tensions.
The government aims to promote tourism and economic activities in these regions while addressing the challenges that have hindered development. The proposed coastal-Malnad tourism policy seeks to leverage the tourism potential of both areas, known for their beaches, religious and cultural sites, forests, and natural attractions. It is anticipated that this policy will eliminate regulatory barriers and create a better environment for investment and employment in tourism.
George held a meeting on Friday at Vidhana Soudha with elected representatives from the coastal and Malnad regions to discuss tourism prospects, investment opportunities, and the challenges in obtaining approvals for tourism projects from various departments.
Elected representatives called for simplifying the approval process for tourism projects. MLA V. Sunil Kumar proposed a single-window system to facilitate tourism investment in the coastal area. He emphasized that a streamlined system for approvals and coordination among different departments would help attract investment and accelerate tourism development.
UT Khader, the minister in charge of Mangaluru district, noted the significant tourism potential in the coastal area but mentioned that many projects face challenges due to regulations related to the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), eco-sensitive areas, and the forest department. He suggested reviewing regulations and approval processes while ensuring adherence to environmental safety measures.
Rizwan Arshad, the minister in charge of Udupi district, stressed the need for a better environment for hotels and other tourism-related activities in the district. He recommended that the proposed policy consider provisions related to opening hours and other requirements based on tourist demand and the nature of tourism activities.
The meeting included various officials and representatives, such as Tourism Department Secretary Dr. Ram Prasad Manohar and others. George stated that the suggestions from the elected representatives would be reviewed and incorporated into the draft policy. The coastal and Malnad regions are vital to Karnataka’s tourism assets, and a comprehensive policy that addresses local needs and incorporates feedback from representatives is essential to fully realize their tourism potential.
The minister also mentioned that further discussions would take place before finalizing the policy, with a cabinet meeting expected soon in Mangaluru to review the proposed policy and make further decisions.
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