BANGALORE: The Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) on Wednesday released a two-volume South India Tourism Directory 2011-12. The directory was launched by Ramachandra Gowda, Deputy Chairman of Karnataka State Planning Board and FKCCI President J R Ba-ngera.
Speaking after the launch, Gowda said that tourism as an industry needs a lot more focus. “Tourism is not mere entertainment. We have to change our perspectives as tourism is considered a profession and an industry. Tourism should be accessible to the common man,” he said reminiscing that he could not afford Rs 1 to visit Halebid when he was a boy. He also launched a web version of the directory.
FKCCI President J R Bangera said, “Tourism contributes about 9 per cent to the national economy. It is yet to be realized that tourism has greater employment potential compared to any other sector.”