Karnataka to launch Coastal Tourism Policy to drive regional growth
Chief Minister DK Shivakumar
“The policy is slated for a cabinet debut in Mangaluru,” said Tourism Minister George.
The Karnataka government is set to unveil its first-ever Coastal Tourism Policy, a strategic framework developed independently of the state's general tourism policy. Tourism Minister KJ George, who recently chaired a high-level stakeholder consultative meeting alongside Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, confirmed that the policy is slated for a cabinet debut in Mangaluru following a final review of industry inputs.
A central focus of the deliberations involved the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules, which stakeholders highlighted as a significant barrier to investment. Industry leaders expressed concerns that Karnataka's current regulatory environment is notably more stringent than those of neighbouring Goa and Kerala, potentially stifling business opportunities and operational flexibility within the state's 320km coastline.
In response to these industry concerns, the Chief Minister announced plans to lead a delegation to the Union government to advocate for amendments and relaxations to existing CRZ regulations. The goal is to harmonize Karnataka's regulatory standards with other coastal states, thereby fostering a more competitive and investor-friendly climate.
The government is also considering a partnership with a Chennai-based coastal research institute to conduct a comprehensive technical study of the coastline. This data-driven approach aims to identify development gaps and ensure the new coastal policy effectively complements the broader tourism roadmap, positioning Karnataka as a premier destination for high-value maritime and beach tourism.
(Source: The New Indian Express)
