The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Aggressive investment drive by State tourism

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Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Aggressive investment drive by State tourism

Staff Reporter

Investments to be focussed on undeveloped tourist spots

Eco-tourism will be developed in Madikeri, Chikamagalur and Biligiri Ranga Hills
Mangalore-Karwar coast to open for
coastal tourism

BANGALORE: “Momentum Karnataka”, the tourism investment meet to be held here on Thursday is touted to be the biggest platform ever created for investors in the tourism sector; it is expected to open up opportunities for investments in undeveloped tourists destinations in Karnataka. Major players in the industry, from India and abroad, are slated to attend the meet during which the State Tourism Department will showcase potential investment opportunities.

Disclosing this to presspersons here on Tuesday, the Secretary of Tourism I.M. Vittalamurthy said that over 100 prime investors would be participating in the meet, and the department was expecting investments in around 30 destinations across Karnataka.

The Tourism Department has developed a bank of 150 plots of land in government possession for investment and it will also make another 125 plots in private holdings available for investments. The department had asked those owning more than 30 guntas of land close to the tourist destinations to come forward for development, either through outright sale or joint development. Many people have come forward to partner in tourism initiatives.

Mr. Vittalamurthy said: “The department intends to focus on heritage, eco-tourism and coastal tourism. But heritage tourism will be our priority. Investment thrust will be on locations closer to Hampi, Pattadkal, Aihole, Badami, Bijapur and other places.” We want people to invest in these remote areas that would help in tourism development, he added.

For coastal tourism, he said, the department intends to open up the entire coast from Mangalore to Karwar as a continuing beach tourism zone.

Eco-tourism will be developed primarily in Madikeri, Chikamagalur and Biligiri Ranga Hills besides in areas that are outside but close to national parks, he added.

“Leading hospitality brands will be represented at the meet, including all the leading hotels and resort groups in India, besides participants from Hong Kong, Dubai, Malaysia, the UK and the US,” Mr. Vittalamurthy said.

Among the leading international groups taking part in the meet are Six Senses, John Keels, Jaybee Group, Apras, Pearl Dubai, Emar MGF, Emirates Airlines Deloitte Touche Tohmastu, Ramee Hotels and Radisson Hotels. The Indian companies include Sobha Developers, DLF, Brigade Group, Puravankara, Mantri, Skyline Project, Confident Group and South City. Leading hospitality groups from India who will participate are Taj Hotels, Taj GVK Group, ITC Welcomgroup, Bharath Hotels, Oberoi Hotels, Muthoot Hotels, Park Hotels and others.

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