The Growth of Tourism in Karanatka

April 27th, 2009

According to the Department of Tourism in Karnataka, the state is preparing itself to make Karnataka the leading tourism destination. They are ready to set forth a policy which in effect makes tourism the primary economic activity. The intention of the state is to create employment and generate revenue from taxes. It is projected that tourism will be the perfect vehicle to achieve this.

Mysore, Coorg, Hampi, Pattadkal-Badami-Aihole, Bijapur and the coast from Ullal and Karwar, will be priority zones for development. In the future, construction projects related to tourism may not be required to follow the standard operating procedures with regard to government approval of land use. In an effort to gain momentum with this project, additional incentives may be given, separate from the allowances offered within the existing industrial policy. Concessions on investments in the tourism sector have been extended for a variety of taxes and application charges.

The Department of Tourism is planning initially to improve the general infrastructure in order to sustain long term growth. The long term goal is to make Karatnaka the leading tourism destination in South Asia and to ultimately become the number one location for meetings, conferences and exhibitions. This will require the design and construction of convention centers and exhibition halls. Again, reaping the benefit of the creation of employment and future tax revenues. Many hotels, ranging from budget to five star hotels in Bangalore will be required, to accommodate the influx of tourists and businesspeople.

For the less business minded tourist, there are plans to promote cruises from Mangalore, eco-tourism through dense jungle in a zone stretching from Coorg to Karwar; a survey of traditions & society around Hampi, Pattadkal, Badami, Aihole, Bidar, and Bijapur; health & fitness tourism in Bangalore; and culture tourism which will be achieved by identifying one historic building in each district in order to set up a visitors center and to exhibit and nurture the tradition of local arts and crafts.