Karnataka Tourism Secy. pushes for greater tourism potential of Udupi, reviews infra projects
Udupi_Image used for representation only
The Secretary stressed the need to develop new tourist attractions and ancillary facilities to encourage tourists to stay longer in the district. He instructed officials to formulate a plan to attract the lakhs of devotees who visit important religious destinations to the district's coastal regions.
The coastal and aqua tourism potential of Udupi district should be effectively harnessed, Ram Prasath Manohar, Secretary, State Tourism Department, told officials during a review of tourism development works in the district.
As per various official local reports, he also called for developing religious tourism at other destinations across Udupi. As directed by Tourism Minister K. J. George, Manohar, along with a team of officials, reviewed development and infrastructure works at major tourist destinations in the district on August 27.
The Secretary stressed the need to develop new tourist attractions and ancillary facilities to encourage tourists to stay longer in the district. He instructed officials to formulate a plan to attract the lakhs of devotees who visit important religious destinations, including the Kollur Sri Mookambika Temple, to the district's coastal regions.
During his review of the Trasi-Maravanthe beach development works, Manohar directed officials to expedite the project and complete it within the next three months, following which the site can be opened for public use.
He also directed officials to provide basic infrastructure for tourists without compromising the destination's natural beauty.
At Someshwar beach, the Secretary reviewed the need for additional tourist infrastructure and measures to make the destination more attractive, the media reports stated.
The meeting also discussed the possibility of developing eco-friendly houseboats and promoting aqua tourism in the Kodi backwater area of Kundapur. Officials were advised to prioritise environmental protection while harnessing the tourism potential of the area.
Manohar further directed officials to provide tourists with a holistic experience by integrating Udupi district’s local art, culture, food and unique coastal lifestyle with tourism.
He said the department’s main objective is to increase demand for hotels, transport, food, tourist services and local products by increasing the length of tourists’ stay, while creating employment and business opportunities for local youth.
(Filing Source: The Hindu & other press agencies)
