Mangaluru: The World Tourism Day was celebrated at the Ravindra Kalabhavana, Mangalore University here on September 29.
The programme began with an invocation. Minister for Forests, Ecology and Environment and district in-charge minister, B Ramanath Rai inaugurated the World Tourism Day by lighting the traditional lamp along with other dignitaries on the dais.
Speaking on the occasion, Rai said that the Indian tourism sector must increase its earnings and employment. “The tourism sector must be given its rightful place in India as other countries do. In Switzerland, different provisions are provided in the tourism sector like cable cars, trains, etc. To reach upto that level, good management is necessary and this is the duty of the Government.” Conveying the importance of publicity in the tourism sector, he said that publicity is very important to bring good economic growth. “Under the ministry, we need to give publicity to social issues and development so that we can bring economic benefits in the tourism sector. Nature camps are places where tourists get attracted towards the beauty of nature.”
He further said that he was glad that Mangaluru has many places of attraction for tourism and that the Government must ensure that the tourism sector in Mangaluru will benefit out of it. “I am happy to announce that within few months we are going to hold “Udyoga Mela” and “Makkala Chitrotsava” in Mangaluru.”
After the release of the Tourism Guide Brochure and the city map, District Commissioner AB Ibrahim said that tourism plays a major role in shaping the global economy of the country. “Mangaluru has great potential in the tourism sector since the city has great cultural diversity. There are a number of beaches in our district where house boating can be made available. Mangaluru is renowned for the presence of health care centres and thus we have a lot of potential in developing health tourism. We can also improve and benefit from eco and religious tourism. The Department of Tourism has taken the right step in the upgradation of tourism spots in the city and thus helped in increasing employment opportunities.”
MLC Ivan D’Souza said, “People love to travel. A small trip or a tour helps you to freshen up your mind. During my childhood days, we used to go out for picnics. Our favourite spots were Malpe beach and Kapu. Recently when I visited America, I realised that the people there have lots of opportunities in the tourism sector. India could also utilise such opportunities in the tourism sector. Mangaluru is situated in the west coast and is an important business hub. Mangaluru has a number of nature spots which can easily attract people. We need to beautify the city giving more importance towards tourism and thus increase our economic growth.”
MLA Moideen Bava and others were also present on the occasion.