Karnataka revealed its new tourism policy that aims to generate over 10 lakh direct and indirect jobs in the sector. It also aims to reach INR 5,000 crore in investments by 2025. The policy was launched by B S Yediyurappa, Chief Minister and C T Ravi, Tourism Minister of Karnataka.
This could increase the contribution of tourism from 14.8 percent to 20 percent of GDP by 2025
The government said, “Agri Tourism and Rural Tourism are the core tourism themes of the policy with the objective to promote not just agricultural and farming activities but also various aspects of rural life in Karnataka such as local cuisine, culture, traditions, arts, etc.”
The tourism policy encourages participation of the local community in tourism activities. This will help create inclusive socio-cultural growth as well as generate economic benefits for the people of Karnataka. A tourism development fund has also been established under Karnataka Tourism Infrastructure Ltd (KTIL). This will act as a strategic intervention for the development of a land bank under the Department of Tourism.
The government added, “A 360-degree marketing strategy shall be adopted to promote the state to domestic and international travellers. An investment facilitation cell shall be set up under the Department to act as the main agency for enabling, facilitating, and monitoring investments.”
Furthermore, the incentives under the policy, include financial assistance of up to INR 1 lakh for tourism projects adopting sustainability measures. These include water conservation, water harvesting, renewable energy sources, and pollution control measures.
The policy has also made provisions for capital investment subsidy and interest subsidy with certain specifications. It also provides for concessions like exemption on stamp duty, reimbursement of land conversion charges, exemption on motor vehicle tax, among other benefits.
The tourism policy encourages an analytics-driven approach for planning and decision-making. This will push for innovative digital solutions that enhance the quality of services across the tourism industry.
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