BANGALORE:Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda said that the Tourism Department will focus on religious and environment-friendly tourism this year, as more than 4 lakh tourists are expected the state. “Last year, we had 3 lakh foreign tourists visiting the state. This year, we expect 4 lakh domestic and international tourists. So, the focus will be on environment-friendly tourism. Measures such as banning the use of plastic by tourists will be introduced”, he said during the inauguration of a programme organised to mark the World Tourism Day on Tuesday. “Karnataka holds a very important place in tourism. With prominent rivers, exquisite game and wildlife, the state has a great potential to improve,” he remarked, adding that religious tourism will be another point of his government’s interest. “We will focus on Hampi, Srirangapattna and other religious places. Also, Dasara festival in Mysore has always been a great tourist attraction.” Stressing on the importance of tourism in the society, Gowda used the example of the turbulent relationship between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. “Culturally, the two states are similar. Yet, lingual differences exist. Perhaps, tourism can be a solution,” he opined.The World Tourism Day, celebrated on September 27 every year, is an initiative by United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). The theme this time is ‘Tourism - Linking Cultures’. One nation is chosen every year to highlight its tourism. This year, the Tourism Day focuses on Egypt.
Comments
0 comment