Minister for Tourism R.V. Deshpande said here on Wednesday that the State government has taken steps to promote tourism to harness its potential to generate employment and income.
He said the Union government has approved in principle the concept of a Tourism Plaza in Mysore, for which a detailed project report has to be submitted by the State.
Besides, the tourism sector in the region will receive a thrust with the constitution of the Cauvery Tourism Development Authority. The Authority was mooted in the State Budget, and Rs. 50 crore has been allotted, he added.
In addition, the State government has appointed consultants and experts to study the tourism potential in each district and submit a report, Mr. Deshpande said.
He said the government will promote Mysore as a tourist destination for all seasons and not merely during Dasara.
He was speaking after launching the e-format of the Mysore Tourism Passport, which entails entry to major tourist destinations in the city with one single ticket.
The Minister said Dasara was being promoted as a major tourism event and there would be publicity in flight magazines.
In addition, hoardings will be installed at major cities in the country, besides the Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore.
Regarding the Dasara Exhibition, Mr. Deshpande said all participants have been directed to ensure that the stalls are open to the public on the day of the inauguration.
With regard to the cancellation of the services of SpiceJet from Mysore, he said the operators were blaming the lack of patronage and potential while the government was drawing attention to the wrong timings and connectivity. “We have told them to connect Mysore, Hampi, Tornagal and Goa,” Mr. Deshpande said, who added that a meeting with the flight operators has been scheduled on September 8.
Published - September 03, 2014 09:50 pm IST
