The Principal Secretary of the State Department of Transport M. K. Shankaralinge Gowda has called upon tourism promoters in Dakshina Kannada to have a brand ambassador to attract tourists to the region.
Addressing a gathering after inaugurating Mangalore Association of Travel Agents here on Friday he said that a person hailing from the district and who is commonly known in the country for his or her excellence can be roped in to become the brand ambassador. “There are many persons from this region who have made big names at the national level in different sectors including cinema. One of them can be roped in to become the brand ambassador,’’ he said.
Mr. Gowda suggested the association members to organise tourism fairs and other events here to market the region and invite the brand ambassador to it to showcase the region.
Mr. Gowda said that a hand book of hotels with basic details should be prepared for tourists. The association should join hands with Karnataka Tourists and Travel Federation to draw tourists to the region.
The Principal Secretary said that the existing infrastructure facilities were at the satisfactory level to draw tourists to the district. The need of the hour is to market the tourism potential.
He said that the Dakshina Kannada is the only district in the State which has five medical colleges and many other education institutes.
Mr. Gowda said that tourist circuits connecting Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Dakshina Kannada and Kodgadu districts have to be identified in chosen fields such as beach, wildlife, nature and the like.
The Managing Director of Jungle Lodges and Resorts N. D. Tiwari said that urban youth are showing more inclination towards eco and wild life tourism.
The Deputy Director (administration) of State Department of Tourism K. S. Shivalingappa spoke. (EOM)
