Udupi: The World Tourism Day was observed under the aegis of the district administration, the Tourism Department, Dial Mantra and Nirmithi Kendra in Rajathadri, Manipal here on Sunday, September 27.
The programme began with an invocation. Nagaraj, Joint director for Tourism department, welcomed the gathering. Vinay Kumar Sorake inaugurated the World Tourism Day by lighting the lamp and releasing the tourism guide brochure.
In his message, Vinay Kumar Sorake said that India, with its great cultural diversity, has a great potential in the tourism sector. Tourism plays a major role in shaping the global economy and is an integral part our life. Tourism contributes to the GDP of the country in a significant way. It also has a distinct aspect of creating jobs. In India, the central and state governments have taken initiatives to popularise tourism. The Ministry of Tourism has implemented various programmes in this regard, he said.
A proposal has been sent to the government to relax CRZ norms to augment the opportunities for exploitation of the available tourism potential. The minister added that the district is the hub of many tourist spots and the beaches marking the border of the district are a valuable resource. Hence, it is necessary to relax the CRZ norms to develop the district and other parts of coastal areas in line with the development of tourist spots in Goa and Kerala.
The government will take up integrated development of tourist spots. A tourism corridor will be envisioned from Shirva to Malpe. The minister said that the government has decided to earmark Rs 120 crore to counter tsunamis on the coast. Plans will be chalked out to make three coastal districts – Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada – secure against tsunamis. Udupi district will receive Rs 43 crore.
Gopal Kharvi, Guinness world record winner in swimming, was honoured on the occasion. Prizes for World Tourism day photo contest were also distributed.
To mark the occasion, a bike rally was also organised from DC Office to Jodukatte. In the evening, a demo on surfing was organised under the leadership of Charulatha Somal, Assistant Commissioner of Kundapur Division.
Udupi MLA Pramod Madhwaraj presided over the function. Deputy commissioner Dr R Vishal and others were present.