Mangaluru: DK observes World Tourism Day; proposes to give major boost

By Robert D Costa
Pics: John V Tauro
Bellevision Media Network

Mangaluru, 28 Sep 2021: Dakshina Kannada district administration in collaboration with district tourism department organized stakeholders meet to mark World Tourism Day, at Ocean Pearl Hotel, here on Monday, September 27.

 

DK district DC Dr K V Rajendra, DK district-in-charge and fisheries minister Angara, Coastal Development Authority chairman Mattaru Ratnakar Hegde, MUDA chairman Ravishankar Mijar, Mangaluru south MLA Vedavyas Kamat, Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy president Dayanand Kattalsar, DK tourism assistant director N Manikya were present at the dais.

 

Minister Angara inaugurated the event along with dignitaries present.

 

 

In his preliminary address, DC Dr Rajendra explained how the hotel and tourism industry had come to standstill owing to Covid-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, the hope is on the horizon as the situation is slowly getting back to pre-pandemic level with bright future for the tourism industry. DK district has 402 kilometers of coastline that was much utilized compared to neighboring states such as Goa and Kerala. The district administration is providing a platform to listen to the grievances of stakeholders, tour operators, homestay owners, resort owners and hotels to make DK district and Mangaluru as tourism hubs in the global map.

 

A video related to DK tourism potential was released by minister Angara that was produced by Manjunat Nisarga, Nisarga Advertisement & Events.

 

In his inaugural address, Karnataka minister for fisheries and DK district-in-charge Angara said that there has been no major boost in the tourism sector despite the long coastline compared to neighboring states although DK has potential to grow. DK has witnessed medical, educational and religious tourism that ought to be expanded to global tourists as district has an international airport, world class port and railway connectivity. Meanwhile, he urged the stakeholders to collaborate with departments in this regard.

 

In his presidential address, MLA Vedavyas said that there are 2 islands in the district that can be utilized for eco-tourism.

 

Ratnakar Hegde said that the district administration and department officers need long range plans for tourism growth that has been marred owing to Covid-19 pandemic.

 

Ravishankar Mijar said that he is working on the Clean and Green City initiative. He wondered why the native restaurateurs of undivided DK have flourished in hotel industry for many decades in major metros in India and overseas, but none took keen interest in setting up their hospitality ventures in our hometown. DK has ample nature’s bounties that could be utilized for eco-tourism and adventure sports. He urged to organize Investors Meet in the coming months as the tourism season slowly picks up.

 

The discussion meeting with the stakeholders was held with tourism officials and district administration.