Madikeri: The Coorg Hotels and Resorts Association convened a meeting of tourism stakeholders in Madikeri, where participants asserted that Kodagu district remains safe for tourists.Association president Kundyolanda Dinesh Cariappa said tourism bodies must work together to counter rumours and unfounded social media narratives about tourist safety, warning that such campaigns harm Kodagu’s hospitality culture. He also urged the govt to appoint a deputy director of tourism and criticised the practice of imposing sudden restrictions after isolated incidents, saying abrupt curbs severely affect the district’s tourism sector. He sought immediate withdrawal of restrictions at key destinations such as Dubare, Mandalpatti, and Tadiandamol.Kodagu Chamber of Commerce president BR Nagendra Prasad said local trade increasingly depends on tourist footfall and cautioned that any decline would directly hit businesses. He noted that the tourism department has drawn up a development plan covering 36 destinations, including 12 new sites, and stressed the need to address parking shortages, which he said are discouraging visitors and affecting commerce.Kodagu Homestay Association president Monti Ganesh called for stricter action against illegal homestays, while association advisor G Chidvilas urged faster infrastructure development at tourist spots.Stakeholders also expressed concern that tourism minister HK Patil has not visited the district, and called for a review of forest department restrictions during peak season, opposing blanket closures.
