Rs 200 crore for tourism promotion in 2011-12

Inaugurating the event organised by the Tourism department, he said the State was a prominent tourist destination and the Government would create the required infrastructure to draw tourists.

“We are in the process of increasing connectivity by providing transport facilities,” he said.

Considering the tourism influx to Hampi and the Jog Falls which also draws huge crowds every year, the Government will ensure more assistance to develop these places, said Gowda. He also stated how the  Gross Domestic Product (GDP) would increase with tourism promotion.

Speaking about the Dasara grandeur, Gowda said that at least 25 lakh people are expected to visit Mysore for Dasara this year.

Bridging gap

On the impact of tourism, he said it bridged the gap between two cultures and facilitated cordial relationship between the neighbouring states.

Congress leader R Roshan Baig requested the State government to start food courts in atleast eight bus stands, keeping in mind the lower and middle class people who worked for long hours.

“Cancel permission to bars and restaurants which worked beyond stipulated timings, but open food courts in select bus stands,” he said.

He also suggested the same on the highways to help the drivers and middle and lower class travellers.

On the tourism promotion, he suggested that the State should participate in tourism fairs organised in other parts of the world and should showcase its destinations.

Home Minister R Ashoka, Managing Director of Jungle Lodges and Resorts Ltd N D Tiwari and Managing Director of Tourism Development Board Dr K Sundar Naik and others were present on the occasion.

Mane controversy

Home Minister R Ashoka has said that there was no pressure from the Governor to promote his aide K C Venkata Rao Mane to IPS cadre, but stated that he had just written a letter in this regard.

He said it was only a recommendation by the Governor, but the final decision would be taken by the Union Home Ministry.