Thinking of building a ‘Karnataka Mantapa’ on the model of Bharat Mantapa: CM DK Shivakumar
Tourism can only be successful if there is commitment and enthusiasm.
Need for proper utilization of natural and cultural resources
Government committed to promoting tourism
Bengaluru, September 27:
“The government is considering building a ‘Karnataka Mantapa’ near the metro station, near Jakkur, Mysore Lamps or NGEF, on the model of the Bharat Mantapa in Delhi,” said CM DK Shivakumar.
He was speaking while inaugurating the first Karnataka Tourism Awards ceremony held at the Palace Grounds on Sunday as part of World Tourism Day celebrations.
“Tourism is a feast for the eyes and the mind. Our state’s environment is our greatest asset. Our government is encouraging tourism, including art, culture, and entertainment,” he said.
Permission within 2-3 months through Ease of Doing Business
“The environment and culture should be preserved. There are plans to promote tourism in Kodagu and Malnad regions. Our culture should not be destroyed. Even if people do not know India, they know Bangalore. More than two lakh foreign passport holders are working in Bangalore. In recent years, many hotels have opened in Whitefield and Airport Road, and permission for newly opened hotels will be obtained within 2-3 months through the Ease of Doing Business,” he said.
If money circulates, the economy is strong.
“If money flows, the economy gains strength. If there is economic strength, more hotels can be opened. No other country can invest as much as Indians go abroad. The Indian economy is strong. Indians are also interested in travel. Everything that supports tourism is available in Karnataka. Our government is committed to promoting tourism,” he said.
Tourism can only be successful if there is commitment and enthusiasm.
Karnataka has everything that is needed for tourism. Tourism in the state is about hospitality. This is not a common thing. There must be commitment and enthusiasm to engage in tourism. Without this, one cannot succeed in tourism, he said.
Those working in tourism have been identified.
“I have studied tourism. Traveling was my past hobby. Our government is giving awards to recognize those working in tourism and give them more responsibility. The necklace and shawl worn during the award ceremony are very heavy. They have their own weight,” he said. More than 350 people have received Karnataka Tourism Awards, he said.
Guides, drivers are ambassadors of tourism
“A guide is not just a guide, he is not a storyteller of Karnataka. A taxi driver is not just a driver. We must not forget that they are all ambassadors of tourism. Karnataka has immense wealth and natural resources. But we have not utilized these much. We have not shown this to the world. Currently, we are growing to a new level in tourism,” he said.
The wealth of the state should be made known to more people.
“Ours is the first state in the entire Asian continent to see electricity. The Gaganachukki and Bharachukki waterfalls of Shivanasamudra are more magnificent than the Jog Waterfall. We need to introduce our wealth to more people and the environment must also be preserved. All animals in the forest, including tigers and elephants, must be saved. The government has brought out many tourism policies,” he said.
Need for proper utilization of natural and cultural resources
“We have not utilized the potential of our 360-kilometer coastline much. There are large industries in Mangalore. There is a port, but there are no five-star hotels. George has a great passion for tourism and has taken on the responsibility of the department. To make the most of the natural and cultural wealth of the coastal and Malnad region, the ‘Karavali Malnad Karnataka Tourism Policy-2026’ has been approved. This important decision was taken in a special cabinet meeting held in Mangalore. Under this, it has been decided to give ‘industrial and infrastructure status’ to tourism projects,” he explained.
All arrangements to protect investor interest
“A department for global investors has also been opened, providing special facilities and investment guidance to non-resident Indians. Ease of doing business is being ensured and arrangements are being made to issue all permits within 2-3 months. All arrangements are being made to safeguard the interests of investors,” he said.
An attempt to resolve the problems of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) regulations
“To resolve the issues related to the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules, we will exchange ideas with many states and urge the central government to give strength to policies like those of Kerala and Goa,” he said.
The government welcomes the discussions with an open mind.
“Those who have gone abroad from Tulunadu have been requested to return home and invest more in Tulunadu. It has been suggested to create and produce a still life of Tulunadu Bayalukuppe and defense departments during Dussehra. A Cauvery Aarti program will also be held, and efforts are being made to give a new look to tourism, including Mysore,” he said.
“There are many world heritage sites in the state. The government welcomes discussions with an open mind. Employment opportunities increase through tourism. Investors need to be energized. Heritage and history create new opportunities. The wealth of our state needs to be utilized in the right way. Our town, our food, culture and history should all be given importance,” he said.
Thinking of setting up a convention center
“The Book My Show team has discussed holding at least 25 to 30 shows a year in Bengaluru, including Coldplay, instead of Mumbai. The government is also considering setting up a convention center. This will be discussed in a meeting with the KSCA next week. The Brigade organization also wants to be a part of this,” he said.
“The construction of Asia’s tallest sky deck should have been completed by now. The PPP model should have been followed for its implementation. A suitable location will be identified and implemented,” he said.
Mangalore Eye” – a Dubai-style skyscraper and tourist attraction project to be built in Mangalore. Its implementation will be difficult and time-consuming. Decisions need to be made to implement the decisions taken in Mangalore,” he said.
