The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : A bonanza for non-resident Kannadigas

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Saturday, Jan 13, 2007
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

A bonanza for non-resident Kannadigas

Staff Reporter

They can enjoy a package tour of one of the regions of the State free

WONDERFUL: A model of Tiruvannamalai temple in Tamil Nadu on display at a stall at the 52nd Travel and Tourism Fair in Bangalore on Friday. — Photo: K. Murali Kumar

Bangalore: Non-resident Kannadigas from across the country and abroad who will be visiting the State for the World Kannada Conference in Belgaum from February 23 to 25 will be able to enjoy a package tour of one of the regions of Karnataka, free of cost, courtesy the State Tourism Department.

Interacting with presspersons after inaugurating the 52nd Travel and Tourism Fair (TTF) organised by Fairfest Media in collaboration with Karnataka Tourism, here on Friday, I.M. Vittalamurthy, Secretary, Tourism and Kannada and Culture, said the department had sent select invitations to non-resident Kannadigas in this regard.

He also announced a holiday package for domestic tourists to explore various destinations in Karnataka at a subsidised rate. The offer is on from February 25 to November 1.

The Karnataka Tourism Department was making all efforts to popularise Karnataka as a destination for medical tourism, adventure and eco-tourism and a heritage destination, he added.

The department is also promoting rural tourism destinations such as Banavasi and Anegundi. "We have involved non-governmental organisations in the area for this project and it is being implemented quite successfully," Mr. Vittalamurthy said.

Asked about promoting Kokrebellur as a tourism destination, he said the department had released funds to the district administration to develop the area as a tourist destination, but the work was not satisfactory. "We are looking into the project now," he said.

The TTF is an annual national event and involves the different States of the country and some foreign countries that showcase their tourism destinations here.

This is the eight time it is being held in Bangalore. The tourism departments of Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Madhya Pradesh and Puduchery are participating in the event. Nepal is being showcased and promoted as the special feature country.

Mr. Vittalamurthy said that the Integrated Master Plan for Development of Hampi would be released shortly. After the plan was out, vehicular movement might be restricted in and around Hampi," he said.

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