Shivamogga: Depending on the geographical characteristics of the area (coastal/Malnad/plateau), a separate tourism policy will be drafted for the state soon, said minister C T Ravi.
Addressing the reporters at Jog, he said that there are 319 tourism spots across the state along with 1,500 spots under the Archeological Survey of India. As many as 40 tourist spots of global importance have been identified. Tourism plans for the Western Ghats and tourism plans for the coastal area will be prepared separately under short-term and long-term projects.
Speaking about the district specifically, the minister said that 47 tourist destinations have been identified in Shivamogga and authorities concerned have been asked to draft a master plan for their development.
“Four tourism circuits will be developed and tourist spots will be categorised under religious tourism and nature tourism. All the identified spots will be provided with good road connectivity, accommodation, drinking water facilities, sanitation and other infrastructure,” the minister said adding that a separate master plan will be made for Jog Falls.
With regard to the separate tourism policy, experts are being consulted as of now, and investors are being identified for the development of tourist locations. “Kerala organises investors’ meet for tourism projects. Karnataka is also planning to have similar meets to attract investors to the sector,” he said.