JOIN US The government has proposed to extend the popular ‘Open Street’ event to places like Mysuru, Hubballi, Belagavi and Hampi. It has also decided to organise the event on an international scale in Bengaluru.
The budget states that the Open Street will be upgraded to an international event to attract more domestic and international tourists. A senior tourism department official explained that it has been observed that many tourists visit neighbouring states like Kerala and Goa where carnivals are held. To attract tourists, this concept has been proposed.
“In Bengaluru, we plan to host it on Avenue Road, Whitefield, Malleswaram and Basavangudi. It will also be held in other places like Mysuru, Kodagu, Hubballi, Dharwad, Belagavi, Mangaluru and Hampi to attract tourists. This will be done with the help of the home ministry. Here, tourists will be given an opportunity to participate and perform. It will also be on the lines of kitch mandis. Details of open streets will be posted on tourism department websites for tourists to plan their itinerary. A dedicated portal disseminating all information and services to tourists about the department and destinations will be created and the highlight will be open streets,” the official explained.
Another important aspect which has finally found a place in the budget is creating Kuteeras, or wayside amenities, along national and state highways and important roads leading to tourist destinations. Under the tag of Kuteeras, through public private partnership, restaurants, hotels, toilets, parking facilities and plazas will be created. This was a long-pending demand from tourists and stakeholders. The official said there are a few restaurants and hotels on Mysuru Road, but in pockets. These will be enhanced and improved through the department.
To department will also ensure that services like the state’s luxury tourist train Golden Chariot and accommodation at Jungle Lodges and Resorts are not restricted to the elite. While it plans to introduce budget class accommodation in JLR camps and start trails with the help of the forest department, it will increase the frequency of the Golden Chariot and add more destinations. It will also talk to the railways to reduce fares to select destinations, the official said. The tourism department’s budget has been increased to Rs 507 crore this fiscal from Rs 400 crore in the previous.
Other proposals
Hosting Pravasi Bharat Divas in Bengaluru
Development of Jain and Buddhist tourist places
Development of reservoirs in Pattadkal, Aihole and Muchakhandi in Bagalkot as tourist destinations.
Developing Chikkaballapur, Karwar and Bidar as model tourist destinations.