President Pratibha Patil has called on the Centre, state governments and the private sector to come together and work for rapid expansion of tourism infrastructure, the benefits of which can reach all stakeholders.

"A well thought out master plan may be prepared and implemented in a time-bound manner," Patil said, inaugurating the first President's Trophy Boat Race on Ashtamudi Lake at Kollam. Development of tourism offers a great opportunity for promoting inclusive growth, where the benefits of tourism reach all stakeholders, she said.

"Ashtamudi Lake should be developed as an international tourism destination by adopting environment-friendly plans," the president said. Patil later handed over the trophy to the captain of the victorious St Francis Boat Club. The race was delayed for a while as heavy rains lashed the area.

PTI