Karnataka will be made an international tourism destination: Hebbalkar – ET TravelWorld

Govt’s approval for the Karnataka Tourism Policy 2024-29 aims at attracting investments and ensuring the state becomes a destination for international tourists, said women and child development minister Laxmi Hebbalkar. Necessary amenities will be provided, and INR 1,349 crore was granted for the same, the minister said at the district-level Rajyotsava programme held in Udupi on Friday.

“Karnataka‘s tourism sector will see enhanced services to boost visitor appeal,” Hebbalkar said, highlighting that Bengaluru leads the country in investment attraction due to effective govt initiatives. “The state’s focus on providing industry-specific skill development programmes for young people successfully drew additional investments to Karnataka,” she said.

The state administration pledged its dedication to strengthening Kannada language, seeking active participation from citizens in this initiative. She emphasised the importance of citizens engaging with Kannada literature to develop a deeper appreciation for the language and its cultural heritage.

“The state govt is committed to making Kannada the administrative language, and so govt has taken some decisive steps in this regard. Various programmes have been organised by govt to nurture the literature, folk, environment, and culture of the land,” said the minister. “Karnataka state administration allocated INR 14.2 crore for implementing the ‘Odhu Karnataka’ initiative. Under this educational programme, students studying in classes 4 and 5 in govt schools receive specially designed learning materials. Teachers underwent necessary training sessions to deliver the curriculum effectively in their classrooms,” she said.

Hebbalkar outlined plans for Udupi district‘s irrigation infrastructure, announcing that vented dams will be constructed under the Paschima Vahini project with an allocated budget of INR 1.8 crore in this fiscal year.