From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Feb 13: Chief minister B S Yediyurappa said the state government accorded highest priority for the development of the tourism sector in Karnataka as it was capable of providing 30 lac direct and indirect jobs and contributing 15% of income to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the state.

Addressing a function after releasing books on tourism attractions around Mysuru city and the translated English version of the book, 'Mysuru – the tourist paradise’ by senior journalist Amshi Prasanna Kumar, the chief minister said the state tourism department with the motto of ‘One State-Many World,’ was committed to developing the tourist attractions in the state.

Yediyurappa said the state tourism department has promoted a website on the tourist attractions and facilities in the state, which has become widely popular with over 10.5 crore viewers in a year.

The state government has taken up 160 infrastructure development works in select tourist places across the state and 20 famous tourist attractions in the state including Hampi, Badami, Aihole and Banavasi are being developed to world-class standards to attract international tourists.

The chief minister promised to take up the development of infrastructure facilities in the tourist places in and around Mysuru and steps for developing the Mysuru airport would also be taken.

He lauded the efforts of journalists like Amshi Prasanna Kumar for their efforts in giving information on tourist attractions and the historical importance of the places.

Mysuru district in-charge minister S T Somashekar, legislators G T Deve Gowda, S A Ramadas, L Nagendra, Tanvir Sait and Mysuru District Industries Association president, Vasu, Kannada Book Authority president Dr Nandish Hamche and Kannada Sahitya Parishat president Dr Y D Rajanna attended the function.