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Udupi to spend Rs 6 cr on tourism devt
Variety of tourist services to support promotion in district, says deputy commissioner
The district administration is all set to explore tourism potentials on a large scale by capitalising more than Rs six crore in the current fiscal year to introduce wholesome entertainment package to visitors.

Deputy Commissioner Priyanka Mary Francis told DH that the sheer volume of tourist services in the district would lead to the promotion of travel and tourism activities. Tourism business is substantial and vibrant, and there is a need to promote the district to become a major tourist destination.

The DC said that proposal for Rs six-crore worth tourism promotional projects is sent to the government to be approved soon. “Revival of the tourism website is taken up on priority. The website will offer entire details of the district and its tourist destinations. It would be segregated into pilgrim, adventure and coastal. Under each head, apt guidance would be made available to the traveller. Links would be uploaded to various websites. Besides, the tourism map of the district would be created,” she explained.

“Taramati Matiwade, the ‘Indian Yachtswoman’ and widely acknowledged as one of the greatest woman sailors in India, has approached the district administration for approval of a sailing centre at Malpe, which would be envisioned shortly. Scuba diving amenities would be introduced at the Kaup light house area. The proposal is on the verge of being consented,” the officer said.

Heli-tourism being another ambitious project of the district governance, the DC said that due to problems from NCC to not let the chopper to use the helipad, the project had been dysfunctional. “However, alternative areas like Mannupalla and Beedanagudde were opposed by the councillors and the district administration is firm on taking private companies into confidence for use of their helipads to promote heli-tourism. A request is also made to the revenue secretary to take back the land given to NCC. A district festival is underway to promote cultural, religious and traditional aspects,” she added.

St Mary’s island is provided with all amenities like toilets and cement seating. The entrance is widened, incorporating marvellous architectural creations. The turtle bay at Trasi would now be initiated at Marvanthe under the Swadeshi Darshan Scheme of Central government at a cost of Rs 50 lakh. At Mannupalla, the General Thimmayya National Academy of Adventure will take up adventure sports on 2.5 acres of land.

The deputy commissioner said that the Padukere beach would be extended to connect Malpe beach at a cost of Rs 50 lakh. She said that Seetha and Anejari camps will be taken up for wide publicity. The tourism industry would help growth in sectors like horticulture, handicrafts, agriculture, construction and even poultry.

“Traditionally, the cultural and spiritual tourism markets in the district attracted most visitors, including foreign visitors, owing to Sri Krishna temple and Kollur Mookambika temple. Additional tourism package would include adventure and eco-tourism, as well as the pilgrimage market. Plans will be chalked out to promote medical tourism market to attract people for quality low cost hospitals for treatment. Package programmes should include both medical treatment and tourist activities,” she opined.