Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Sep 1: The Karnataka government has moved to fast-track the development of five key coastal tourism destinations, appointing agencies to oversee sustainable tourism development and prepare the projects under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
IPE Global has been selected as the Programme Management Unit (PMU) for sustainable development and tourism promotion in coastal Karnataka, while Ernst & Young LLP has been appointed as the transaction adviser for developing the five identified locations.
The projects, announced in the State Budget, cover Trasi-Maravanthe, Kodi-Kundapura Beach and Barkur Fort in Udupi district, and Kodikal and Tannirbhavi Beach in Dakshina Kannada district.
MLC Ivan D’Souza said the Coastal and Malnad Karnataka Tourism Policy is being implemented and steps are being taken to accelerate tourism development in the regions. He said tourism minister K J George has ensured that the commitments made in the 2026-27 Budget are being given priority.
“It was announced in the budget that to utilise the special tourism potential of Karnataka’s coastal districts, an ‘Integrated Coastal Tourism Development Project’ will be formulated. Connectivity to these destinations will be established via sea planes and heli taxis in collaboration with aviation and water adventure tourism stakeholders. Additionally, joy rides and river cruise activities will be promoted. To implement this announcement, in-principle approval was accorded,” D’Souza said.
In response to a query, the minister stated that the tourism department has initiated steps to implement the ‘Coastal and Malnad Karnataka Tourism Policy’ with the aim of sustainably developing coastal Karnataka into a high-quality destination equipped with world-class facilities and known for responsible tourism along the State’s entire 320-km coastline.
The policy will cover Uttara Kannada, Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts; Chikkamagaluru district, including Chikkamagaluru, Mudigere, Koppa, Sringeri and NR Pura taluks; Shivamogga district, including Thirthahalli, Sagara and Hosanagara taluks; and Hassan district, including Sakleshpura and Aluru taluks.
D’Souza said the tourism minister has outlined plans to tap opportunities in adventure water sports and coastal tourism by developing the coastline and upgrading roadside amenities, including highway hubs.
As part of the initiative, Ernst & Young LLP, as transaction adviser, will work on developing Trasi-Maravanthe, Kodi-Kundapura Beach and Barkur Fort in Udupi, and Kodikal and Tannirbhavi Beach in Dakshina Kannada under the PPP model, D’Souza said.