'Govt to set up tourism boards soon'

In his address at the 16th State-level convention of Karnataka Pradesh Hotels and Restaurants’ Association(KPHRA) held at Rajendra Kalamandir, he said the government had already discussed constituting three Authorities to promote tourism. Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa is likely to announce it in the 2011-12 Budget.

The State has all the potential to become a hub of tourism in the Country. Out of total destinations listed by the central tourism, 5600 spots are in state. The Mysore district alone hosts to more than 116 tourist destinations. The State has everything - eco tourism, coastal tourism, health tourism and places offering ayurveda, yoga and naturopathy solutions, he said.

A recent conference on Ayurveda, where more than 30 foreign delegates attended showed keen interest to invest in ayurveda and yoga. The State could be a hub for health tourism.

Ramdas promised the hotel owners’ association that he would arrange an audience with CM and top officers of departments concerned, to explain their problems and finding out solutions for the same.

He also assured to come out with a unique programme from his Ministry, offering them to adopt canteens and a ward from each of the district and taluk hospitals and develop it as a model one.

Earlier, Pejawar mutt seer Vishveshatheertha Swamiji inaugurated the two-day conference. He said every profession and business should be treated as service to the God and service to society. Hard work and ethics should be the mantra for success.

“It is not mere offerings made to God called pooja. God’s service can be visualised in helping others and making justice to your own profession,” he said and called upon hoteliers to maintain quality in what they offer to customers.

He regretted adulteration of all eatables, including ghee and cracked a joke saying politics also became adulterated.

On the occasion, Sudheer Nayar, general secretary of South India Hotels and Restaurants’ Association, impressed over the arrangements made for the conference announced to hold the South India conference of the southern states in city.
“It will happen soon in Mysore,” he said.

Minister for Forest C H Vijayshankar, MLC Siddaraju, president of KPHRA Ramachandra Upadhyaya, secretary Rama Vithala Dasa and other office-bearers were present on the occasion.