Speaking at World Tourism Day programme organised jointly by the Tourism department in association with Panambur Beach Development Project, Mangalore Association of Travel Agents here on Monday, he said the council will include local stakeholders so that the tourism can be promoted in association with the locals.

He said though there was a proposal for the tourism council, it could not be materialised owing to various reasons.

“Similar to the concept of home stays in Kodagu, we are planning to promote beach tourism by taking fishermen to confidence by making the fishermen folk to be friendly with the tourists. Though it may not invite huge investment, it will definitely generate employment.”

With the projects like ropeway bridge from Sultan Battery to Thannirbhavi, Marine acquarium and golf course coming up in Mangalore, Dakshina Kannada will be on the world tourism map within five years.

Guidelines

The Deputy Commissioner said that to make the beaches clean and safe, a set of guidelines will be framed and agency will be appointed to maintain the beaches clean and safe.

Stating that there is immense tourism potential in Dakshina Kannada, he said the time has come to tap the potentials.

Infrastructures

Mangalore South MLA N Yogish Bhat said that a project to provide basic infrastructure to promote tourism is being prepared. He said that about 150 acre land has been identified for setting up of golf course and marine aquarium in Thannirbhavi.

The ropeway bridge from Sultan Battery to Thannirbhavi will be 25 feet height and will become a centre of attraction once it completes. There are plans to have light and sound system to showcase the history of Rani Abbakka.

Coastal Development Authority Chairman Nagaraj Shetty said that a special package to promote beach tourism is needed along with providing road connectivity for the promotion of religious tourism.

No audience

Though the Tourism Day is being observed to create an awareness among the general public and to promote tourism, the official programme in Mangalore did not have much audience. In fact, 75 per cent of chairs at the Town Hall were empty.