Readying a stand-alone destination

C. Somashekar: We have incorporated a lot of concessions for the industry.-BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Interview with C. Somashekar, Tourism Director, Karnataka.

THE tourism sector in Karnataka, which languished for decades, has over the past couple of years been promoted in a big way and is tipped to become one of the sectors with the potential to generate huge employment opportunities, especially in rural areas. Vying for a bigger slice of the tourism pie for the State, the Karnataka Tourism Department has initiated various measures to attract tourists. Excerpts from an interview C. Somashekar, the departments Director, gave Frontline:

What are the strategies adopted by the department to attract tourists?

On a long term, efforts are being made to make Karnataka a stand-alone destination in South Asia by creating a cluster of about 10 major destinations and to have one destination cluster in at least 20 districts. It will be synonymous with eco-tourism, wellness tourism, adventure tourism and heritage/culture tourism in India.

Will the new tourism policy be able to attract investors?

We have incorporated a lot of concessions for the industry, with projects being exempted from all kinds of taxes for the [next] five years. Government land, if available at the tourist destination, will be given at 50 per cent of the market value. The department is expecting a good response from the industry.

Are foreign tourists safe in Karnataka?

Karnataka is known for its peace and tranquillity, and bad incidents have not been reported. A tourism police [force] is being created in all major tourism destinations. The State police have been requested to coordinate with it and provide extra security cover in major tourism destinations.

How is the department planning to improve infrastructure?

New initiatives and strategies to attract tourists have been laid out. Master plans for the development of Hampi, Badami, Pattadakal and Aihole; coastal tourism zone from Ullal to Karwar; and eco-tourism zone from Kodagu to Karwar have been completed. Standard airports are being established in Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore and Hampi, and heli-tourism is being encouraged by forming a heli-tourism circuit. In recent years, the department has been getting enough funds from both the State and Union governments for the development of infrastructure.

Will lesser known places get their due?

Yes. The department organises cultural festivals at lesser known places to attract tourists. For example, we organised a Jala Patha [waterfalls] festival at Gaganchukki near Mysore, which drew over one lakh tourists. Similarly, we organised a festival at Male Mahadeshwara Hills in Chamarajanagar.

How is Karnataka being promoted outside the State?

Road shows are being conducted in major cities such as Pune, Mumbai, Goa, Kolkata and Chennai. Besides, Karnataka Tourism has been participating in leading tourism fairs such as ITB Berlin and WTM [World Travel Market] London to promote Karnataka as a destination for tourists.