Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD/EP)

Udupi, Sep 27: “Coastal tourism should be promoted depending on the needs of tourists while giving importance to the local culture, traditions and arts and making it attractive,” said Kaup MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty.

He was speaking after inaugurating the International Tourism Day at Ajjarkad town hall held under the cooperation of district administration, tourism department, municipal council and Karavali Pravasodyama Sanghatane Udupi.

“The natural beauty of Udupi district, sea shore, the local culture, Janapada, Yakshagana, Bhootada Kola, Nagaradhane and other religious festivals are so attractive that those who see them make them come again with their families. Tourism should be promoted on the basis of our traditions,” he said.

“Everybody including tourists, should join hands to protect our tradition, making tourist spots environment friendly and preserving nature’s beauty. As more jobs will be created through tourism it will help in improving the economy among local people. Home stays should be encouraged for tourists and local traditions should be given importance,” he said.

Deputy Commissioner Dr K Vidya Kumari who presided over the programme said that Udupi district is well known for tourism. “While there is a sea shore on one side, there are Western Ghats covered with greenery on the other side with the religious and educational centres also attracting the tourists. Tourism should be promoted according to the environment. Tourism has grown as a business these days. We should make it grow further keeping in mind the ups and downs in the environment. As per philosophers the earth has to fulfil the necessities of man and not his greed. Therefore, we should remember that earth exists not only for people but for all the creatures,” she said.

“We had a hard time because of the Covid-19 pandemic and we are returning to normalcy. Everybody should join hands with officials for the use of solar energy and thereby prevent pollution of drinking water, ensuring that it does
not get contaminated by pollutants and banning the use of plastic. Water should be used sparingly as rainfall received had been less this year,” she said.

“Keeping Udupi clean is all of our responsibility to attract tourists. We should have the desire that tourists that visit the tourist spots should visit them again. The cooperation of all the people is essential for the growth of tourism,” she said.

Manipal WSHA group principal Dr Shef K gave a lecture on tourism and green investments. The cover of the book on 80 tourist spots was released on the occasion. Sunjan Shetty who manages the tourism department social website received second prize in the reels competition held by Karnataka state tourism department was felicitated.

Various competitions were held for students of various colleges on the subject of tourism and green investments. Taluk level winners were presented prizes.

Zilla panchayat chief executive Prasanna H, district SP Dr Arun K, Karavali Pravasodyama Sanghatane district president Manohar Shetty, municipal council commissioner Rayappa, various district-level officers, college students and others were present.

Tourism department assistant director Kumar C U welcomed.