Bengaluru: “There is a big scope for tourism if our ancient and historical assets are improved,” said Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai.
Speaking at a function organised in connection with the release of Tourism Policy (revised) for the year 2020-26 and distribution of incentive for the registered tourist guides in Vidhana Soudha Banquet Hall here on Wednesday September 28, he said that more foreign tourists must be attracted to give jobs to locals. Karnataka has the best tourist places which are ideal for the promotion of tourism. The forts of Kalaburagi and Bidar are fantastic. All these are our property and there is a big scope for tourism if these assets are improved. They have got all these from their ancestors and it must be introduced to the whole world. The Government is doing the job of recognising them, he said.
The CM said the Departments of Revenue, Good and PWD must work as a team along with the Tourism Department. The existing places of tourist will be fully utilised to promote tourism. They need to make Karnataka world famous. This requires the support of everyone.”
“Saint Kanakadasa was born in Shiggaon Taluk and it was also the karma bhumi of Saint Shishunala Sharifa but these places are not developed. The excavation by the Department of Archaeology has discovered a small palace. There is a fort of Kanakadasaru and a palace. Efforts are made to keep the saint alive by constructing a 4D studio and other measures. Now thousands of people from other states visit these places every year,” he noted.
Bommai said that Anand Singh after becoming Tourism Minister, has chalked out new plans for the promotion of tourism. Revival of Yaana, ropeway in Chikkamagaluru and hotels have been taken up. New circuits are formulated and Singh has a major role in this endeavour. More improvement will be made in tourism with private and public participation in the coming days.
He said, “The officials of the Tourist Department must become active and make optimum use of their capacity to improve tourism. In fact, the hotel industry has a lot of opportunities in the tourism industry.
The CM said technology has brought in changes in the Tourism sector and this industry has been a main focus in some of the countries in the world. It is growing in the country too. Both government and private sectors must create good infrastructure for the development of tourism. Tourists expect good boarding, good food and good services. More jobs are created because of this industry. By protecting the historic monuments one can attract tourists. These architectural marvels must be introduced to the people. The Badami caves and Ajanta Caves are old and important but tourists do not know much about it. The Government has also given importance to temple tourism, and nature tourism. Rs. 100 Crore has been earmarked for the development of Jog Falls and Anjanadri Hill, and a 600 room tourist dormitory will be constructed. The Government of India has also given concession to Coastal Regulation Zone for the development of coastal areas, he added.
