Kundapur, January 15: To boost tourism, the Tourism Department has identified 11 beaches in coastal Karnataka including Thannirubavi in Mangalore and Kodi in Kundapur for Blue Flag certification.
Someshwar, Ullal, Sasihitlu in Dakshina Kannada district, Asare Beach, Kodikanyana, Padukare, Kodi Kundapur, Shiroor Beach in Udupi district, Ballur, Apsarakonda and Rabindranath Tagore Beach in Uttara Kannada have been selected.
“Coastal Karnataka is a wedding destination point, river and sea cruises, resorts, beach front hospitality, floating cottages, boat houses, beach shacks, beach management, eco-tourism and wellness experiences” said Tourism Department Secretary Trilok Chandra.
Rs. 718 crore. Investment
Under the Karnataka Tourism Policy 2024-29: 45 tourism projects involving an investment of Rs. 718 crore have been sanctioned for coastal districts. The aim is to make Karnataka one of the top three states in the country in terms of domestic tourist arrivals and one of the top five states in terms of foreign tourist arrivals by 2029.
He said that the Karnataka Tourism Department wants to increase domestic tourist arrivals to 50 crore and foreign tourist arrivals to 20 Lakh by 2029, which has infused new enthusiasm in tourism-related activities in coastal Karnataka.
One District-One Destination
The Tourism Department has taken up the development of 30 major destinations under the One District-One Destination (Destination) initiative. These include Kaapu, Thannirbavi and Gokarna Beach. Through , it aims to attract Rs. 8 thousand crores in direct investment. It has decided to protect 1 thousand heritage monuments.
“It is a pleasure that Kodi Beach has been recognized for Blue Flag certification. We have been trying for this for the last 2-3 years. We have been continuously cleaning the beach of the organization for the last 6 years. If the proposed projects are implemented, Mangalore will become the gateway of Karnataka tourism” said Ganesh Putran, Clean Kundapur Project.
- Blue Flag mark for 11 beaches including Kaapu, Thanneerubavi and Kodi
- Rs. 718 crore for coastal districts Investment plan
- Wedding, resort, beachfront hospitality opportunities
- 45 tourism projects approved
- Target of 50 crore domestic tourists by 2029
The steps taken by the department for tourism development are welcome. The coastal district has immense potential with beaches, temples and natural resources that attract tourists. Priority should be given to the infrastructure of the beaches. The economy of the district will increase due to the growth of tourism, said resort owner Bailur Udayakumar Shetty.