Reddy expects boost to tourism

Global Investors Meet: Rs 4,000 crore investment expected

Addressing at a press conference in Bangalore on Thursday, Tourism Minister Janardhana Reddy said a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for at least five mega projects - including the International Convention Centre near Bangalore International Airport will be signed at the Meet.

The other mega deals that are likely to be finalised include - establishing a 400-acre Film and Media City in Bidadi, Wellness City (200 acre) near Kabini and a 18-hole international standard golf course in Mangalore.

The Wellness City will be developed as a health tourism hub with focus on traditional Indian medicine like Aryurveda and Unani. The film city promises to be a one-stop shop for entertainment, business, movies, food and film production. Expression of interest for these project will be invited 10 days before the GIM, Reddy said.

Other projects

Other projects on offer to prospective investors at GIM include - setting up of luxury hotels with attached health centres or arts and craft centres at Badami, Pattadkal, Hampi, Chitradurga, Sagar, Hosanagar, Tirthahalli and Sakaleshpur.

He said as per the State Tourism Policy 2009-14, the Government will provide subsidy ranging between 10 and 35 per cent on investment depending on the zone.

The policy has divided the State into five zones for the purpose of providing incentives and concessions. Besides, all benefits similar to those provided for industries as per the state industrial policy including exemption on stamp duty and conversion fee will be provided to investment in tourism.

He said contracts for the helitourism project will be awarded during the GIM. To start with, Mangalore, Mysore and Hampi will be the helitourism circuits.

The minister said the Central Zoo Authority has given its clearance for Bannerghatta night safari proposal. Foundation stone for the project will be laid by the chief minister next week.

The project will be implemented at a cost of Rs 180 crore, he said.