“No other State than Karnataka can boast about the range of tourism products,” said Tourism Department Director Dr C Somashekar.

Speaking on the theme “Vivid past to a vibrant future” at the “Tourism Conclave” jointly organised by the State Tourism Department, district administration and Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) here on Tuesday, Dr Somashekar cited an amazing range of tourism that exists in Karnataka as well as Dakshina Kannada. “Be it heritage, wildlife, beaches, nature, pilgrim centres or cuisines — the district has it all,” he said.

Stating that the present day tourists look out for something more than just another holiday, especially some unique experiences, Dr Somashekar said that Bangalore and Mysore are getting overcrowded and Mangalore can be the next destination.

Referring to the large number of people flocking in from various parts of the country to Dakshina Kannada, he opined that it is relatively easy, and important to make this captive audience extend their pilgrimage tours into pleasure tours as well. At the same time, he regretted lack of good wayside amenities, even on highways.
From a meagre single-digit amounts in budget allocations to Rs 148 crore this year, the government too has taken up tourism sector seriously, he said and and added that substantial amounts are being deployed for tourism infrastructure projects.

At the same time, there is a great potential for medical tourism in the district as well, he noted. “With international connectivity and excellent medical facilities, Mangalore has the potential to emerge as the second hub for ‘health and wellness tourism’ in Karnataka after Bangalore.”

Inviting those who own good pieces of land near major tourist destinations to discuss with the Departmetn of Tourism on handing over lands for investing in tourism projects, Dr Somashekar appealed to investors to come forward and invest in tourism promotion activities.

‘Brand building’
Inaugurating the conclave, Corporation Bank Chairman B Sambamurthy said that there is a huge gap between potential and performance with regard to tourism promotion.

Stressing the need for brand building, Mr Sambamurthy said that unless brand building is taken up seriously, conversion of potential into performance is difficult.

Stating that the efficient use of natural capital and models unique to region are essential for development of tourism, Mr Sambamurthy said: “Unless you are the best or biggest, it is difficult to sell the product and tourism is no exception.”

He also called upon the authorities concerned to make use of internet to reach more people.
Impediments
Kanara Chamber President Kumble Narasimha Prabhu said that roads, CRZ regulations and lack of single window clearance for tourism industry were the biggest impediments for tourism promotion in the district. Deputy Commissioner M Maheshwar Rao released a tourism booklet.  Zilla Panchayat President K P Sucharitha Shetty presided.

Rs 3 lakh subsidy per room
The government is planning to provide a subsidy of Rs 3 lakh per room with a maximum ceiling of Rs 1 crore for a three-star hotel and a subsidy of Rs 3 lakh per room with a maximum of Rs 75 lakh for a two-star hotels to promote tourism.

The only condition is that the hotels should be registered before March 2008, he said and added that there is a dire need of hotels everywhere to cater to the needs of growing tourism potential. “In Bangalore alone, there is a need for as many as 9,000 rooms a day,” he said.