Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stated on January 10 that the State government will unveil a separate tourism policy for coastal Karnataka after consulting with stakeholders.
Addressing a gathering after inaugurating the Coastal Karnataka Tourism Conclave, Mr. Shivakumar said that the conclave will seek inputs from investors, elected representatives of the coastal region and tourism stakeholders before finalising the draft of the policy. The draft policy will be tabled before the Cabinet for its approval before announcing the policy.
Framing a separate tourism policy for coastal Karnataka is insufficient; a financial structure for tourism projects must also be planned, he said.
Mr. Shivakumar said that despite its pristine beaches, rich knowledge base and natural resources, tourism in coastal Karnataka has not flourished as expected.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts are educational and healthcare hubs that produce skilled workers, yet many still seek jobs abroad or in other cities. He noted that there’s a need for tourism projects to create local employment opportunities.
