Bangalore: It’s the old story of neglect. Just like the tier 2 and 3 cities of the state which are lagging behind in development, many places of tourism interest in Karnataka too haven’t realised their full potential as successive governments haven’t been able to see beyond Bangalore.
While it has gained in reputation as the IT City and Pub City the world over, little is known about what Karnataka has to offer in its interiors other than the Mysore Dasara or the ruins of Hampi.
If the plantations of Kodagu are today seeing tourists making a beeline for them, it has little to do with government efforts to promote it or provide the required infrastructure. Historical monuments and temples lie neglected and in disrepair all around the state, looking on forlornly as governments come and go without paying them the attention they deserve.
But now change could be on the way if the present government takes the recommendations of the Tourism Vision Group headed by Mohandas Pai seriously. Recognising that the coastal tourism potential of Karnataka has hardly been tapped, the group has suggested a greater focus on Mangalore and the restoration of the old town.
Pointing out that Karnataka is one of the few states blessed with a coastline, forests, and wildlife, as well as a rich heritage and history, the group has noted that it has huge scope for urban, adventure and wellness tourism. All it needs to do is attract private investment to help promote it all, it says.
Spelling out the need to improve connectivity around major tourism destinations, the report also talks about the need to improve Karnataka’s branding as a tourism destination.
As far as Bangalore goes, it has recommended keeping the city open for longer to help it gain a better nightlife and also do more to make Cubbon park a place for tourism.
“It’s a beginning as the state government has accepted the report in principle and it will be included in the state budget this year,” says V. Ravichandar, urban expert and former member of BATF.
But B.PAC president, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw is more sceptical.
“Every time a report is presented to the government, it appreciates it but what we need is political will to execute it. Tourism generates 13 percent of jobs globally but no government in the state has invested enough in this sector” she rues, adding, “We have stressed on encouraging PPP models as without cooperation from the private sector it will not be possible to improve tourism in Karnataka. Look at what Rajasthan has done. Today it is one of the largest tourism destinations of the country.”
So how serious is the state government about the report? Ask principal secretary, tourism department, Aravind Jadhav, and he says as a number of its recommendations require consent and participation of several departments, a meeting will be held in February to coordinate things in the presence of members of the vision group and things will kick off thereafter. Here’s hoping they do.
