Opportunities for investment in tourism projects in the 1134.45 acres of land under government possession and 2,365 acres of land offered by private owners in Karnataka were presented to 125 potential investors at the Tourist Investor’s Meet here on Thursday.
With the Tourism Department’s priority focus on heritage tourism, eco-tourism and beach tourism, the department officials presented the opportunities in each sector and clarified their doubts. The Tourism Secretary I M Vital Murthy said that the government was willing to arrange for tours to these spots and meetings with the private owner.
Eco Tourism
Coffee tourism in coffee estates of Coorg, Hassan and Chikkamagalur complete with a coffee festival where visitors can experience the estate culture and learn first hand how coffee is grown and processed, a similar project for tea tourism in Dhrawad, Belgaum, Haveri and Uttara Kannada and with farm tourism were the fresh proposals made by Special Officer, Eco Tourism, Dr Sanjay Bijoor at the meet. He also briefed on the scope for ventures with revenue wooded lands in Kodagu, Mangalore Chikamagalur, Shimoga and Udupi being used to set up biological parks, nature museums, herbal parks, eco lodges and camps.
He said the need was also in eco tourism education and training institutes to work towards branding of Karnataka as an Eco Tourism Friendly state with an global eco certification.
The potential investors raised questions on the threat of Naxalities, while others who have set up resorts in such areas said that while they have obtained all clearances, various departments were sending them notices regularly and harassing them. They asked the Department to send guidelines to various departments through the government. It was suggested that a portion of inspection bunglows of various departments be rented out to private traveller which will help the middle class.
Beach Tourism
The TD has identified 300 acres of private land near Mulki, a mix of agricultural an scrub land being offered by private owners for tourism projects. Mangalore DC Malleshwara Rao said that the KSSIDC has started the bidding process for the Tannirbhavi golf course project for which many international players have shown interest. Tenders have also been called for the feasibility study report for the aquamarine park.
Cruise tourism seems promising with 20 vessels bringing in 3,000 passengers in the last year and 11 vessels have brought in 800 passengers already this year, he said.
Mr Rao said that backwaters were still unexploited as a tourism potential. A Marina too can be set up where yachts can be docked and people can go sailing. Those interested in setting up a small jetty too, will be given permission.
Answering questions he said of the 30 beaches 20 could be used for swimming. Good connectivity is a strength of the region and in the main cities the underground sewerage and sanitation facilities are in place, he said.
