The Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Mangaluru, said on Monday that Mangaluru is uniquely blessed with beaches, rivers, estuaries, mountains, rich cultural traditions, and globally acclaimed cuisine. However, these strengths remain fragmented. With coordinated policy support, strategic infrastructure development, and timely approvals, the region has the potential to emerge as one of India’s foremost coastal tourism destinations.In a memorandum submitted to K. J. George, Minister for Tourism and Energy, in Mangaluru, KCCI president P. B. Ahmed Mudassar said that long-, medium- and short-term (immediate priorities) plans are needed to place Mangaluru on the global tourism map.Long term plansUnder long-term plans, the KCCI said, a clear and enabling river tourism policy should be formulated to allow private participation in setting up jetties, boathouses, houseboats, kayaking, sailing, angling, fishing, onboard dining, and day cruises, with streamlined approvals and regulatory clearances.At least two iconic, large-scale tourism attractions should be developed in Dakshina Kannada to position the district prominently on the national and international tourism map.A coastal elevated road from Panambur to Ullal could be built, wherever technically feasible, to serve as a dual-purpose corridor for improved freight mobility and coastal tourism development.It said a leisure marina at Ullal or another strategically suitable location could be built to promote yachting, recreational boating, coastal tourism, and maritime tourism, with potential connectivity to Lakshadweep and other destinations.Professionally managed Tourism Information Centres should be set up at key transit points and tourist hubs.The KCCI said additional Blue Flag-certified beaches should be promoted along the coast to enhance international tourism appeal and promote sustainable coastal tourism.It said there is a need for a single-point destination showcasing local cuisine, culture, folk traditions, and heritage.Medium term plansIt said active State government support is needed in taking up with the Union government the grant of appropriate international port and port-of-call status to New Mangalore Port to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and attractiveness for cargo ships and international cruise liners.Expedite transfer of the required land to facilitate runway expansion at Mangaluru International Airport and accommodate larger aircraft, thereby enabling future growth in passenger and cargo traffic, the KCCI said.Short term plansIt said active State government support is needed in taking up with the Union government the immediate recognition of Mangaluru Airport as a Point of Call to boost tourist inflow, facilitate greater international air connectivity, and generate positive economic spillovers for the region and neighbouring states.The KCCI said strategic efforts by the Port Authority and Tourism Department are needed to attract more international cruise liners, including development of curated half-day, full-day, and overnight itineraries supported by professional promotional material and participation in global cruise events.The president said active support from the State government is required for the proposed transfer of Mangaluru and the coastal railway network to the Mysuru Division of South Western Railway (SWR) from Southern Railway, scheduled to take effect from October 1, 2026, and taking up with the Union government and Railway Ministry the need for enhanced rail connectivity with the hinterland. The railway connectivity is required for Shivamogga, Hubballi and beyond. This should also include introduction of additional premium and semi-high-speed train services connecting Mangaluru with Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, Trivandrum, Hyderabad, and other key cities, thereby strengthening tourism and economic activity across coastal Karnataka.It said expansion of direct air connectivity to major domestic hubs including Coimbatore, Hubballi, Pune, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Kochi, and Ahmedabad is required.