Mangaluru: State govt is considering promoting cruise tourism, introducing Keralam-style houseboats and launching a cruise service between Mangaluru and Goa, tourism minister KJ George said Sunday.During an inspection of development work at Tannirbhavi Beach, a Blue Flag destination, George said coastal water tourism could become a major attraction and that the govt was committed to building the infrastructure needed to promote the sector to international standards.As part of the plan, the govt is exploring the possibility of operating a cruise service between Mangaluru and Goa, with stops at various coastal destinations. Ships built at local shipyards could potentially be used for the service, he said.George said the govt was also working to encourage international cruise tourists arriving at New Mangalore Port to stay in the region and visit local attractions. Discussions are being held with the Union ministry of ports, shipping and waterways and New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) officials on the infrastructure required for the purpose, he said.Tourism department is studying the feasibility of introducing Keralam-style houseboats. “All these cruise-related proposals are at the preliminary stage of study,” he said.Tourism secretary V Ram Prasath Manohar is examining various proposals to promote tourism. “During the cabinet meeting in Mangaluru [scheduled for Sept 18], we will discuss measures to promote and develop tourism in the coastal and Malnad regions. Already, detailed discussions on the proposals with chief minister DK Shivakumar have been held. Tourism-related projects for the region are expected to be considered for approval at the meeting,” he said.Responding to a question, George said the state govt would propose more beaches for Blue Flag certification.However, he said, “We need to develop beach shacks of standard quality without compromising the aesthetic appeal of the beaches.”No plans for casinosGeorge ruled out any proposal to introduce casinos along the Karnataka coast on the lines of Goa.“The objective of promoting tourism is to create employment opportunities for local youth and increase local business and economic activity,” he said.The govt will also submit a proposal to the Centre seeking measures to address difficulties caused by coastal regulation zone (CRZ) restrictions, he said.On shops that have remained closed near the beach, the minister directed officials to resolve the dispute over revenue sharing through discussions involving local representatives and the deputy commissioner, with both sides adopting a give-and-take approach. He also directed that the stalls be opened as soon as possible.The proposal to extend public visiting hours at the beach will be examined, he said.George said genuine homestays would be permitted to offer up to six rooms to tourists. Those operating larger lodging facilities or hotels would be required to obtain the mandatory hotel licence.Govt would provide the necessary infrastructure support to promote medical tourism in the region, he said.Reviews operations, cruise tourism facilities at NMPAGeorge visited NMPA and reviewed operational, infrastructural and tourism-related aspects of the port.
Minister KJ George reviews various operational, infrastructural and tourism-related aspects at New Mangalore Port Authority Sunday
He was welcomed by S Shanthi, deputy chairperson, NMPA, along with senior port officers.During the visit, George toured operational areas to get a first-hand understanding of the port’s functioning, cargo handling operations and infrastructure. He also visited the cruise terminal and was briefed on the facilities and arrangements supporting cruise tourism through the port.The minister later held a brief meeting with port management, during which matters relating to the Port’s operations, infrastructure and its role in supporting the region’s economy and tourism were discussed.He was accompanied by tourism secretary V Ram Prasath Manohar, DC Darshan HV and others.
