Bangalore: With the catch-line of Karnataka Tourism being "One State. Many Worlds," the refrain at Friday's panel discussion on tourism was that Karnataka has varied destinations to offer and it requires concerted efforts from both the Government and the private sector to give tourism a prop.

Setting the tone for such an effort, Minister for Tourism D.T. Jayakumar announced that a "Think-tank committee" involving experts, those in the tourism business etc, would be set up soon. The proposal is awaiting the clearance of the Chief Minister, he said and mentioned that the committee will meet once in three months to give direction to promotion of tourism.

The Minister said that though the budgetary allocation (plan and non-plan) of Rs. 75 crores is insufficient, efforts will be made to have proper co-ordination between various departments such as Public Works, Transport, etc., to network the destinations.

Giving details of the proposals, Tourism Secretary Shanta Kumari said that the Department has embarked upon a "tourism mission" and it would involve the private sector, municipalities, Public Works Department, etc. The list of roads which need immediate attention has been sent to the Public Works Department.

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