The Karnataka tourism department will soon have an exhaustive masterplan to fall back on. Complete with a list of identified destinations, tourism opportunities, shortfalls specific to all 30 districts, the masterplan is meant to be a ready reference for the department on tourist hubs, once it gets compiled.
The state tourism department entrusted the task of drawing up the masterplan to a private agency, which is now ready with its initial draft. Once the tourism bosses give their nod, the agency will prepare the final draft and submit it.
It is only after the department is satisfied with the drawn-up final report that officials will start involving local stakeholders in the process of integrating them with the mainstream.
"We are looking at attracting more people to the state and the best way to do it would be to upgrade facilities at existing tourist sites and put in work to develop tourism-potential sites across the state," said K Viswanatha Reddy, director of the state department of tourism.
Further, senior officials said the masterplan will serve the purpose of a ready reference for successive officials and help them in putting efforts in the right direction for future upgradation.
Though the department was tight-lipped about the money likely to be used in upgrading existing structures and creating new infrastructure, it is expected to cost the department a few hundred crores.
The state tourism department is currently working on upgrading infrastructure at Kemmanagundi and Nandi Hills. Apart from improving amenities, including accommodation, they are also working on construction of food courts and children's parks at these two areas. On the agenda is also to provide good signages at these two destinations, for which the state tourism department has called for tenders.
"Work will be taken up largely based on priority, which in turn is dependent on the popularity of the place as well," said Reddy.
Further, senior officials said the masterplan will serve the purpose of a ready reference for successive officials and help them in putting efforts in the right direction for future upgradation.
Though the department was tight-lipped about the money likely to be used in upgrading existing structures and creating new infrastructure, it is expected to cost the department a few hundred crores.
The state tourism department is currently working on upgrading infrastructure at Kemmanagundi and Nandi Hills. Apart from improving amenities, including accommodation, they are also working on construction of food courts and children's parks at these two areas. On the agenda is also to provide good signages at these two destinations, for which the state tourism department has called for tenders.
"Work will be taken up largely based on priority, which in turn is dependent on the popularity of the place as well," said Reddy.