20 Lakh Foreign Tourists: Karnataka’s New Tourism Policy Targets Rs 1,500 Cr Investment

October 28, 2024 Parasshuram Shalgar India, Travel 0

“Karnataka Unveils Plan to Become a Top Tourist Destination”
“Karnataka Unveils Plan to Become a Top Tourist Destination”

In a substantial move to boost the state’s tourism sector, the Karnataka cabinet on Monday approved a new tourism policy, targeting investments worth Rs 1,500 crore. The policy aims to position Karnataka among the top five states in attracting foreign tourists and among the top three in domestic tourism.

“We are aiming to attract 20 lakh foreign tourists annually,” said Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil during a press briefing after the Cabinet meeting. “With respect to domestic footfalls, we want to be among the top three states, targeting 48 crore local tourists.”

The new policy is designed to enhance various facets of tourism, including adventure, eco, and cultural tourism. “Our goal is to create a comprehensive and inclusive tourism environment that not only attracts visitors but also provides significant employment opportunities,” Patil added.

See Also:  Over 59,000 Indians Become US Citizens: A Growing Demographic Trend

The state government is optimistic that this policy will not only boost tourism but also contribute to the overall economic growth of Karnataka. “We are confident that the new tourism policy will bring in substantial investments and create numerous job opportunities, directly and indirectly,” Patil emphasized.

With this ambitious plan, Karnataka is set to become a major player in the tourism sector, leveraging its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and vibrant cities to attract tourists from around the world.

Key Highlights of the Policy:

Investment Goals: The policy aims to draw ₹1,500 crore in investments, focusing on enhancing infrastructure, promoting sustainable tourism, and creating new tourist attractions.
Tourist Influx: Karnataka plans to attract 20 lakh foreign tourists annually, positioning itself among the top five states in India for international tourism.
Domestic Tourism Boost: The policy also aims to increase domestic tourist visits to 48 crore, leveraging the state’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and diverse attractions.
Thematic Tourism: Emphasis will be placed on adventure tourism, eco-tourism, and heritage tourism, with specific initiatives to develop these sectors.

See Also:  Watch: IndiGo's Food Section Scandal Ignites Social Media Storm

Government’s Vision

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar highlighted the government’s vision to make Karnataka a premier tourist destination. “A robust tourism policy will not only attract investments but also create jobs and boost the state’s economy. We are committed to developing Karnataka’s tourism potential to its fullest,” he said.

Strategic Initiatives

The policy includes several strategic initiatives such as developing a sky deck in Bengaluru, enhancing coastal tourism along the state’s 300-km coastline, and creating new tourist spots like Brindavana, modeled after Disneyland.

 

Related Stories:

China's efforts to reopen border post pandemicChina Welcomes Tourists Back with Visa-Free Entry for Citizens of Six Countries Andhra Pradesh’s Bold Move: Six Policies for Economic Transformation”Andhra Pradesh’s Bold Move: Six Policies for Economic Transformation”Andhra Pradesh Unveils 6 Policies to Create 20 Lakh Job Philippines' Marcos tells China's Xi Jinping he intends to pursue independent foreign policyPhilippines’ Marcos tells China’s Xi Jinping he intends to pursue independent foreign policy Ministry Of Tourism To Organise Its First G-20 Tourism Working Group Meeting From 7th To 9th February 2023 In Rann Of Kutch, GujaratMinistry Of Tourism To Organise Its First G-20 Tourism Working Group Meeting From 7th To 9th February 2023 In Rann Of Kutch, Gujarat Thailand's nightlife gets a lifeline, but tourism challenges persistThailand Extends Nightclub Hours to 4 AM – A Boost for Tourism and the Economy? National Tourism Day (January 25) is also an occasion to recognise the impact of afforestation on India’s growing tourism sector In 2022, the Ministry of Tourism formulated a national strategy for sustainable tourism, pinpointing seven key areas crucial for inclusive, carbon-neutral, and resource-efficient tourism. Among these strategic pillars, biodiversity protection takes centre stage, highlighting the importance of planting more trees and conserving existing green cover. On National Tourism Day, Pradip Shah, environmentalist and co-founder of Grow-Trees.com explores how tree plantation not only aligns with the national strategy but also plays a vital role in preserving the ecological balance of our tourist destinations. Promotes sustainable tourism There is a growing trend to focus on eco-tourism while visiting hill stations and verdant, eco-sensitive regions where trekking and similar activities are allowed. The tourism department and tour operators also bear the responsibility to safeguard natural resources and ensure that the wilderness remains as enjoyable in the future as it is now. Planting more trees and enhancing the green cover in such areas can ensure that the benefits of a healthy environment are extended to the next generation. Planting and preserving trees enhance the basic tenets of responsible tourism. Mitigates the effects of mass tourism The rich biodiversity of forested zones and wildlife sanctuaries is increasingly drawing a large number of visitors. However, the surge in mass tourism to these areas also brings forth major challenges, including excessive land use, pollution, fodder extraction and heightened human-wildlife conflicts. Environmental organisations are actively addressing these issues. Recognising the strong connection between tree planting and ecological health, Grow-Trees.com has launched projects like 'Trees for Ecotourism™️' in the forest region of Gnathang near Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary in East Sikkim. The primary goal of such projects is to improve forest health while alleviating the adverse impacts of mass tourism. Fights Climate Change In its 2023 report, 'A Healthy Forest for Healthy People,' the UN emphasises that sustainable forest management and the prudent use of resources are pivotal in the battle against climate change. Trees help us to combat climate change mainly due to their natural ability to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. In cognisance of this fact, Grow-Trees.com has planted more than 19 Million trees nationwide and in Africa. Once fully grown, these trees will absorb 380 Million kg of CO2, annually showcasing the crucial impact of trees in addressing climate change. Mitigating the effects of global warming also contributes to creating an ecologically balanced environment, which is of utmost importance for the growth of the tourism sector. Enhances scenic beauty With an endless variety of species, trees offer an aesthetic and calming green cover to urban zones. Some of the most famous and tourist friendly cities in the world are known for their gardens, tree-lined avenues and public parks abundant with foliage with diverse green textures and flowers. In the concrete jungles of big cities, they also help to reduce the heat island effect, regulate microclimate, mitigate air pollution and improve hydrology. Green zones in cities make them livable and pleasing not just for the residents but tourists who may be visiting or passing by. Promotes job creation Tree planting projects create multiple job opportunities for local communities. Once completed, such projects need regular monitoring, watering, and preservation, ensuring that the local populations will remain connected to their maintenance. Conserving trees and biodiversity also creates a feeling of ownership among them. This active engagement of local communities is crucial in tourism as it helps in developing a welcoming and hospitable environment and facilitates vibrant cultural exchange for tourists to experience.On National Tourism Day, discover how tree plantation boosts green tourism Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah convenes CLP meet on Aug 22 after GovernMUDA Case: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Calls Urgent CLP Meeting After Gov. Approval for Prosecution pharma 1Sanjeev Nanda, MD of Ishvan Pharma highlights – Dubai offering medical tourism plans is revolutionary in healthcare sector
About Parasshuram Shalgar 195 Articles
A well-versed news editor for over 14 years now, Mr Shalgar’s articles have been circulated to well over 60+ million visitors.

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.