Bengaluru: Tourism Minister Priyank Kharge is keen to hold sporting events at tourist destination to help these places gain greater visibility and is also seeking the help of Sports Ministry in this regard.
"We are planning to organise 2-3 international sports championships to promote the destination as well. For example if we hold a golf competition at Chikkamangaluru, the place would also get recognised. Natural destinations and adventure tourism come together, since we are concentrating on 'Year of The Wild this year," Kharge said.
Kharge recently met state Sport Minister Pramod Madhwaraj and both departments have expressed willingness to work together to boost adventure tourism.
"Our interests converge and hence we are tying up. We are at the preliminary stage and need to prepare the road ahead. Both the departments are looking to select a few spots to improve the infrastructure and host international sporting events. Adventure sports and tourism are closely related," Mr Madhwaraj said.
It may be recalled that Mr Kharge had mentioned organizing bouldering competitions, where people can find their own path and mark it along the way, along with triathlons and eco-treks.
Some of these events may soon be a reality. In co-ordination with the Sports Department an international rock climbing competition will be held at Nandi Hills, Mr Kharge added. Other such projects in the pipeline include surfing at Malpe beach and Aero sports at Mysuru.
