Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (KD)

Udupi, Jan 23: Tourism should be developed keeping in view the environmental concerns of the region, said tourism secretary I M Vittalamurthy here on Tuesday January 22.

He was speaking at the inaugural function of Tourism Conclave 2008 organized by the department of tourism. The aim of the conclave is to promote tourism in the heritage spots of the city.

He also said that nature had not only been bountiful in the district but it is an asset and this asset should be protected and promoted. It is necessary that priority should be given to the involvement of the common man in promotion of tourism. The objective of the gathering is to reach out not only to the star category hotels and rich tourists but also to tourists who belong to the middle class and lower class whose needs should be taken care of, he said.  

It is the primary duty of the district administration to encourage the people staying in and around Malpe to provide catering service to tourists. To fulfill the needs of the tourists, small canteens or restaurants also can be opened at Malpe. Awareness should be created on the importance of tourism among hawkers, flower vendors and auto rickshaw drivers who have a vital role to play in it.

Rs 2.5 crore has been allotted for the development of St Mary’s Island, Trasi and Malpe beaches, said director of department of tourism C Somashekara. He also said that an integrated master plan for development was being prepared. The deputy commissioner has been given the power to approve any action plan promoting tourism to the tune of Rs 1 crore, he informed.

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