JOIN USAttempts would be made to develop Talapady beach as a tourist spot in the next five years, Tourism department Assistant Director Uday Shetty said.
He was speaking at World Tourism Day organised by the Department of Tourism and Travel Management of Mangalore University.
He said Talapady beach had been selected under Swadesh Darshan Coastal Circuit programme and would be developed in a phased manner. Tender had been invited from private firms to develop Talapady beach. The department had plans to launch adventure activities in Talapady beach to promote tourism.
Shetty said 20% subsidy would be offered by the department to those who invested in 20 projects to promote tourism under Tourism policy. About 40 % subsidy would be provided to those who wish to open hotels, homestay and resorts in Dharmasthala and Mangaluru City Corporation jurisdiction to promote tourism.
"About 80% of tourists who come to India visit religious places while the rest visit beaches. Owing to lack of development, the tourism sector has seen a setback. With the development works being taken up in beaches and tourist spots, there has been surge in number of tourists visiting the district," he said.
Shetty said that surfing festival was being organised at Sasihithlu beach in association with various organisations at the end of May. The department had submitted a proposal to the State government to sanction Rs 160 crore to develop Sasihithlu beach as a surfing spot.
The University Registrar A M Khan urged the department to promote medical tourism in Dakshina Kannada district. Tourism should be promoted along with conserving environment.
Jet Airways Bengaluru Marketing Assistant Manager Vineeth Rajendran was present.