Mangaluru: Karnataka is exploring plans to take coastal tourism to the international level by introducing cruise tourism, Kerala-style houseboats and a possible cruise service connecting Mangaluru with Goa, Tourism and Energy Minister K J George said on Sunday.
Speaking to reporters while inspecting development works at Tannirbhavi Blue Flag Beach, George said the government was examining several proposals to strengthen water-based tourism along the Karnataka coast.
He said coastal water tourism could become a major attraction and stressed that the government was committed to creating the infrastructure required to support new tourism initiatives.
Mangaluru-Goa cruise service under study
One of the proposals being examined is a cruise service between Mangaluru and Goa, with stops at various destinations along the coastline.
George said ships being constructed at local shipyards could potentially be utilised for the proposed service. However, he clarified that the cruise-related proposals were still at the initial stage of study and no final decision had been taken.
The government is also looking at ways to make better use of Karnataka’s coastal attractions and improve connectivity between different tourist destinations through water-based transport.
If implemented, such a service could offer tourists an alternative way to experience the coastline while connecting important destinations in Karnataka and Goa.
International cruise tourists to be attracted
The state is also looking at ways to encourage international cruise passengers arriving at New Mangalore Port to stay in the region and visit nearby tourist destinations rather than treating the port merely as a transit point.
George said discussions were being held with the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the New Mangalore Port authorities regarding the infrastructure required to support cruise tourism.
The Tourism Department is examining the facilities and connectivity needed to encourage cruise passengers to explore Mangaluru and other destinations in the coastal and Malnad regions.
Kerala-style houseboats also being considered
Another proposal under examination is the introduction of Kerala-style houseboats along suitable stretches of Karnataka’s coast.
George said the Tourism Department was studying the feasibility of such services as part of a broader strategy to promote coastal water tourism.
The department secretary has already visited the coastal region and examined various proposals aimed at expanding tourism opportunities.
George said the proposals would be discussed during the Cabinet meeting to be held in Mangaluru. He added that he had already held detailed discussions on tourism-related plans with Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.
Tourism projects for the coastal and Malnad regions are expected to come up for consideration at the meeting.
More Karnataka beaches may seek Blue Flag status
The minister also said the state government would propose additional beaches for Blue Flag certification.
He stressed the need to maintain quality standards while developing facilities at beaches. In particular, he said standardised beach shacks should be developed without compromising the aesthetic appeal of the coastline.
The proposal to extend public visiting hours at Tannirbhavi Blue Flag Beach will also be examined.
The government is looking to balance tourism infrastructure with the need to preserve the character and environmental appeal of the beaches.
No proposal for casinos along Karnataka coast
George ruled out plans to introduce casinos along the Karnataka coastline on the lines of Goa.
He said the objective of tourism promotion was to generate employment for local youth and increase business and economic activity in the region.
According to the minister, the government’s focus would remain on tourism projects capable of creating opportunities for local communities rather than introducing casinos.
Government to seek relief on CRZ restrictions
The state government will also submit a proposal to the Centre seeking measures to address difficulties in road development caused by Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) restrictions.
George said easing some of the challenges associated with infrastructure development would help improve connectivity to coastal tourist destinations while enabling tourism projects to progress.
The government is also looking at issues affecting existing tourism facilities.
During his inspection of Tannirbhavi Beach, the minister directed officials to resolve a dispute concerning revenue sharing involving food stalls that have remained closed.
He instructed officials to hold discussions with local representatives and the Deputy Commissioner and arrive at a mutually acceptable solution. George directed that the food stalls be reopened at the earliest.
Homestay rules and medical tourism
George said genuine homestays would be permitted to offer up to six rooms to tourists within their residences.
However, establishments operating on a larger scale as lodging facilities or hotels would be required to obtain the mandatory hotel licence.
He also said necessary infrastructure support would be provided to facilitate the growth of medical tourism in the region.
With Mangaluru already having a strong healthcare ecosystem, the government is looking to strengthen supporting infrastructure that can help the region attract more medical tourists.
Tourism Department Secretary Dr V Ram Prasath Manohar and other officials were present during the minister’s visit.
The range of proposals being examined — from cruise services and houseboats to Blue Flag beaches, homestays and medical tourism — reflects the government’s broader plan to develop Karnataka’s coastline as a major tourism destination while creating employment and supporting local businesses.