The Karnataka Tourism Vision Group, headed by T.V. Mohandas Pai, on Tuesday submitted recommendations to the government for doubling the State’s tourist traffic.
It suggested a road map to increase the State’s tourist traffic to 21 crore a year. The number tourists who visited the State in 2012 was about 10 crore.
Mr. Pai, who submitted the report to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, said there was scope for an additional employment of 43 lakh people over the next decade, involving an investment of Rs. 73,000 crore (50 per cent private), which could generate Rs. 85,000 crore in revenue to the State.
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A press note said the group recommended setting up a world-class meetings, incentives, conferencing, and exhibitions (MICE) facility on 435 acres of land near the Kempegowda International Airport here.
“There is a scope for promoting adventure tourism in Nandi Hills, heritage trails around the Devanahalli fort, and wine tours for local and outstation visitors. This has the potential to put Bangalore on the global MICE map,” the note said.
“A Chief Minister-driven State tourism council that sets out an overarching policy, goals, and monitors progress is required,” it said.
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Mr. Pai said, “Karnataka needs to think big, think like a nation-state if it is to be among the top two destinations in India.”
The note said urban tourism around Bangalore to tap into its larger visitor base and local population was necessary.