Thrust on Brand Bangalore

Tourism department has been allocated Rs 399 crore in the budget as against 357 crore last year.  There has a been a special mention of Rs 50 crore provided to Karnataka Tourism Vision Group.

Under this banner, the department will build ‘Brand Bangalore’ as a tourism destination and establish a Cubbon Park Management Committee. It will also focus on circuit development like Mysore as a ‘Royal City.’

Another highlight of the budget proposals is the programme for ‘Adoption of Tourist Destination’ in collaboration with corporates, similar to central government’s tourism initiatives.

The department has already got queries from major companies to adopt sites, areas and monuments on lease, for restoration and uplift, as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR). These companies required a platform and government backing which have been obtained through budget. The department has received proposals for Hampi, Mysore, Lakshmeshwara, Bidar and coastal beaches.