Mangaluru: The state govt has selected an agency as the programme management unit (PMU) for sustainable development and tourism promotion in coastal Karnataka. As per the budget speech, an agency has been appointed as the transaction adviser to develop five locations on a PPP model. The locations include Trasi-Maravanthe, Kodi-Kundapur Beach, and Barkur Fort in Udupi, and Kodikal and Tannirbhavi Beach in Dakshina Kannada.MLC Ivan D’Souza said that the coastal and Malnad Karnataka tourism policy is being implemented, and steps are being taken for the tourism development of these regions. He said that tourism minister KJ George has ensured giving emphasis to the 2026–27 budget speech. “It was announced in the budget that to utilise the special tourism potential of Karnataka’s coastal districts, an ‘Integrated Coastal Tourism Development Project’ will be formulated. Connectivity to these destinations will be established via sea planes and heli taxis in collaboration with aviation and water adventure tourism stakeholders. Additionally, joy rides and river cruise activities will be promoted. To implement this announcement, in-principle approval was accorded,” D’Souza said.In reply to a query, the minister stated that to sustainably develop coastal Karnataka into a high-quality destination equipped with world-class facilities known for responsible tourism along the state’s entire 320 km coastline, the tourism department has taken steps to implement the ‘Coastal and Malnad Karnataka Tourism Policy.’ This policy will cover Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, Chikkamagaluru including Chikkamagaluru, Mudigere, Koppa, Sringeri, and NR Pura taluks, Shivamogga including Thirthahalli, Sagara, and Hosanagara taluks and Hassan including Sakaleshapur and Aluru.The MLC said that the minister has revealed plans utilising the opportunities available for adventure water sports and coastal tourism by developing the coastline and upgrading roadside amenities (highway hubs). In this regard, IPE Global has been selected as the PMU for sustainable development and tourism promotion in coastal Karnataka. Meanwhile, Ernst & Young LLP has been appointed as the transaction adviser to develop Trasi-Maravanthe, Kodi-Kundapura Beach and Barkur Fort in Udupi district; and Kodikal and Tannirbhavi Beach in Dakshina Kannada on a PPP model, said D’Souza.
