Tourism projects in PPP mode being promoted by Karnataka government

The Department of Tourism, Karnataka is finalising its plans to promote tourism in the state with new promotional packages to attract more domestic and international travellers. A beneficial 30 per cent lower tariff until December 2010 is being offered in tandem with the 30th year of setting up a network of Jungle Lodges and Resorts in the State. Meanwhile, two more properties are being added under the Jungle Lodges and Resorts at Hampi and at Bidar later in 2010.

The number of tourists travelling to the state has grown from approximately 23 million in 2002 to 38 million in 2009. The first five months have registered significant growth, he said. The Karnataka government plans to run its luxury tourist train Golden Chariot to Hyderabad later in 2010 with an additional couple of new routes.

Heli Tourism is being planned as a major plan – the first state in the South to add this in its tourism portfolio. The departments are in the process of beginning work on the US$ 38.05 million-night safari park at Bannerghatta.

Mr K Vishwanath Reddy, Director of Department of Tourism, Karnataka, said at a road show at Hyderabad that the department is offering 30 per cent discount on the state owned properties, which is part of an 11-city initiative to promote tourism. He also added that the state tourism department has initiated several projects through public-private partnership (PPP) mode. Many projects were also signed at the recently concluded Global Investors Meet (GIM) in Bengaluru with a total planned investment of US$ 641.4 million. These projects are being offered investment subsidy of up to 35 per cent as per the tourism policy valid till 2014.

The state government is also considering a proposal for a mega theme park near Bengaluru.