District In-charge Minister Jayamala said there was a need to project tourist destinations in order to promote tourism sector and economy of Udupi district.

She was speaking after launching ‘Coffee Table Book,’ brought out by Tourism department and Malpe Development Committee here, on Wednesday.

The book contains detailed information and photographs of tourist places in Udupi district.

The Minister said tourism-related initiatives should be planned to reach out to the visitors and keep them updated on different facilities.

Udupi is blessed with many tourist destinations. The district is rich in cultural and gifted in natural beauty. The natural beauty coupled with religious destinations have made the district an international tourist hub. There is need to exploit these advantages in order to promote tourism. “Development of Tourism in the district will also generate employment opportunities,” Jayamala said.

“The entire Karnataka is a mesmerising tourist place,” She declared and added that tourism should be promoted in the district on a large scale.

The Minister handed over financial assistance to 12 tourist taxis and an amount of Rs 4.69 crore to nine hotel projects sanctioned under Tourism Policy of 2015-20 by the tourism department.