KCCI seeks to boost tourism in undivided DK

Mangalore, Jul 14: Several ideas and inputs were garnered on the development of tourism in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, in an interaction meeting with the media organised by Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the city on Saturday.

Issues were raised that the port city of Mangalore and surrounding region did not even have a brochure or booklet to featuring street maps or listing prominent tourist spots in the district. Inputs also suggested lack of proper infrastructure and transport services from one destination to another, absence of sign boards to guide tourists and a tourism board, along with a dedicated web portal of the region.

Mahesh Chowta, proprietor of a resort in Hassan, said that the tourism in the undivided DK district had been completely neglected, and Mysore, Hassan and Hampi (Bellary) were the only districts that were frequented by the tourists.

“We have a wonderful culture, historical structures, places of interest and communal harmony which is needed to be showcased. We have to start from scratch. We have to ponder on how the region is reflected and perceived in the outside world. Awareness should be created on the same and we have to start working on an agenda that is practical,” said a proprietor of a resort in Ullal, adding that Kerala had come up in tourism sector because of the encouragement of the government.

There were suggestions for an eye-catching tagline for the region of Mangalore that would grab the attention of prospective tourists, and thereby help in promoting tourism.

Panambur Beach Tourism Development Project CEO Yathish Baikampady said that the city was not 'tourism-friendly' and that sensitisation of certain departments was required to cater to the requirements of tourists. “We have to train different segments of the administration, especially the police department, to cater to the tourist crowd, and their efforts should be consistent,” he said, stressing on the need for basic awareness among city-goers.

Other suggestions included allocation in the budget for the development of tourism in Mangalore, involvement of private companies to improve the situation, a dedicated tourism board and a tourism officer and a compilation of various places, ideas, and news stories on places of interest.

Welcoming inputs from the gathering, KCCI President Mohammed Ameen presided over the meeting.

KCCI tourism sub-committee chairperson C Vanitha Kamath, KCCI secretary Jeevan Saldanha and treasurer M Ganesh Bhat were present.