BENGALURU: The tourism industry in the state expected a lot for the development of facilities in known as well as lesser known tourist destinations. However, they feel the budget is in the right direction as far as addressing the problem of shortage of rooms or training of guides are concerned.
Some major schemes have been welcomed by the industry — Rs 60 lakh in the form of share capital for private training institutes which come forward to impart a two-year diploma training for guides in Belur, Hampi and Vijayapura. Lack of language skills being a big barrier for attracting foreign tourists, this scheme will be beneficial, says tourism expert Prakash Mandothi.
“Further, Rs 3 crore share capital being provided to private companies to open 3-star hotels having 500-room facilities and also 30% capital investment for development of facilities such as amusement parks and water sports is indeed welcome. There should be a timeline for such projects as well as monitoring so that tourism picks up in our state,” he added.
“Belur and other two places getting Rs 20 crore to help local bodies for protecting the environment and cleanliness is indeed a welcome step. Development of wayside facilities on highways — which should have a PPP model — will bring more tourists to the state. Providing training to taxi drivers who are ambassadors of the state and the first contact point for tourists, is welcome,” they said. The budget should have come out with proposals for developing Bengaluru as a transit destination and also a MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, events) destination.
Also, there is no focus on promotional activities or maintenance of heritage monuments.
Tourism University
Rs 3 crore has been set aside for a tourism university at Hampi. This is to promote human resources by providing continuous training so that the tourism sector is run professionally and profitably.
Highway wayside facilities proposed
Three model wayside facilities will be constructed on major NHs to provide a multi-functional facility for tourists to relax, take rest and have breakfast/meals.