Government looks to establish 100 helipads to boost tourism

Taking a step additional on the Centre’s UDAN Scheme, the Karnataka Tourism Department is heli-tourism to construct connectivity between essential locations and appeal to extra guests, because the sector stays onerous hit by the COVID-19 pandemic for a second 12 months.

Though enterprise picked up in the direction of the 12 months finish in some elements, a second wave of infections have threatened to derail any progress.

In an interview to The Puucho, Tourism Minister C.P. Yogeshwar stated new ideas are being launched to revive the sector, amongst which is heli-tourism.

“We are looking at establishing around 100 helipads, including setting up heliports at Jakkur in Bengaluru, near Lalit Mahal palace in Mysuru, Mangaluru, Kamlapura in Hampi, Hubbali-Dharwad, and Kalaburagi. The idea is to create scientific infrastructure, have permanent fire and water services and make it a permanent heliport after which we will enter into an understanding with private players,” he stated.

The Minister added {that a} assembly was scheduled with HAL to present the Tourism Department with copters. “Foreign tourists who come to Goa do not come to Hampi though it is a World Heritage Site because of lack of connectivity. We will request the government to reduce GST on helicopters. A committee is looking at heli-tourism and experts’ advice will be followed. Private partners will look into the logistics of operations while infrastructure will be ours,” he added.

The division can also be introducing seaplanes in six to seven locations below the UDAN scheme, and websites being checked out are Mangaluru, Udupi backwaters, KRS, Hampi, Almatti, and Tungabhadra.

Unexplored locations

Acknowledging that tourism was concentrated in a number of elements of Karnataka, primarily Mysuru, Kodagu, Kabini, Hampi, and Chikkamagaluru, he stated there have been many traditionally vital websites within the State, particularly in Kalyana Karnataka, which might be unknown about. They have taken the assistance of a group from the Central University of Karnataka in Kalaburagi to introduce a course that may yield tourism-ready professionals.

He additionally harassed the necessity for coordination between departments similar to Muzrai, Archaeological Survey of India, and Forest Department to propel the sector in Karnataka. “The government will start building hotels in prime destinations such as Belur Halebidu, Hampi, Vijayapura, Kalaburagi, Badami, etc. under the KSTDC,” he stated. He additionally stated those that need to arrange accommodations in Kalyana Karnataka can be given 25%.

As for the lengthy coastal belt, Mr. Yogeshwar stated round 30 to 35 spots have been recognized for water sports activities whereby non-public gamers could be inspired to step in. “There are so many spots in the 320-km coastline. Yet, most people go to Kerala and Goa,” he stated, declaring to the dearth of actions.

Speaking about its neighbouring opponents, he stated the Karnataka authorities will speak to its south Indian counterparts to discover opening a South Indian circuit to mutually profit from tourism.