The programme was jointly organised by Shodhana Tourism Research and Development Trust, Konaje and Tourism and Travel Management Department of the University College. The main theme of the programme was ‘Tourism helping in culture development’.

“Tourism was on a child stage earlier. However, it is developing massively. According to a survey, it has been found out that the visitors to Mysore Dasara is more than visitors to Taj Mahal,” said Tourism Department Assistant Director M R Prakash.

Speaking on the development of Mangalore Tourism, he said that tenders have already passed to develop Someshwara and Tannirbhavi beaches. The government has allotted Rs 76.80 lakhs of which Rs 47.42 has been released, he said and added that efforts are made to make the beach areas plastic-free zones.

He also advised school teachers to appoint guides whenever the children are taken to tours. “Many a times children are found playing when they are taken to educative tours,” he regretted.

One should also ensure to promote tourism by taking their guests to tourist spots, he said and added that tourism has also entered the educational field and is a course with a lot of scope and job opportunities.

Sanathana Natyalaya Director Chandrashekar K Shetty said that one should put on a habit of taking a break and traveling to see different places. Many people think that tourism is very pricy and drop the idea. If one plans well and saves a little money, one can also see many places within their budget, he added.

Presiding over the programme, University College Principal Dr Lakshminarayan Bhat H R said that India is known to have Unity in diversity. This can be a unique selling point in tapping tourism.