Karnataka Official Boosts Udupi Tourism

Karnataka’s Tourism Secretary Ram Prasath Manohar, during a review of tourism projects on August 27, highlighted the immense potential of Udupi district as a tourism destination. He urged officials to develop new attractions and infrastructure to encourage longer stays, stimulating the local economy and creating job opportunities. Manohar’s vision for Udupi focused on harnessing its unique blend of coastal, aqua, and religious tourism prospects.

Harnessing Coastal Tourism Potential

Manohar stressed the need to develop new tourist attractions and ancillary facilities to encourage tourists to stay longer in the district. He instructed officials to formulate a plan to attract the lakhs of devotees who visit important religious destinations to the district’s coastal regions.

At the Trasi-Maravanthe beach development site, Manohar directed officials to expedite the project and complete it within the next three months, following which the site can be opened for public use. He emphasized the need for basic tourist infrastructure, such as restrooms, changing rooms, and parking facilities, without compromising the destination’s natural beauty. He encouraged the use of eco-friendly materials and sustainable practices in the development of these amenities.

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Expanding Tourism Infrastructure

Manohar directed officials to provide basic infrastructure for tourists without compromising the destination’s natural beauty. He advised officials to prioritise environmental protection while harnessing the tourism potential of areas like the Kodi backwater in Kundapur.

Manohar further directed officials to integrate Udupi district’s local art, culture, food and unique coastal lifestyle with tourism. He said the department’s main objective is to increase demand for hotels, transport, food, tourist services and local products by increasing the length of tourists’ stay, while creating employment and business opportunities for local youth.

The review meeting was held following the directives of Tourism Minister K. J. George. It was attended by officials from the State Tourism Department, local administration, and other relevant stakeholders. The meeting was productive, with officials committing to implement Manohar’s directives and harness Udupi’s tourism potential for the benefit of both the district and its residents.