With Theme ‘Tourism & Rural Development’-Tourism Dept, MCC & Dist Admin Host ‘World Tourism Day’
- With the Theme ‘Tourism & Rural Development’-DK Dept of Tourism-Government of Karnataka, Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) and District Administration Host ‘World Tourism Day’ at Tannirbhavi Beach, on Sunday, 27 September 2020 at 11 am
Mangaluru: It was perfect sunny weather for this festival which took place on the ‘Sun, Sand and Sea’ – the picturesque Tannirbhavi Beach on Sunny Sunday 27 September 2020, which kicked off at 11 am. The theme of World Tourism Day this year is “Tourism and Rural Development “, which encouraged the celebration of the unique role played by tourism in job creation in small towns and rural areas. It should be noted that the livelihood of millions of people globally is dependent on tourism. There are countries where tourism and industries dependent on it are the biggest revenue earner. However, Travel and Tourism is one of the worst-hit sectors amid the pandemic-forced sudden lockdown earlier this year. Some prime tourist spots are opened in India, and Karnataka State, with relaxed COVID rules for tourists, however, wearing masks and maintaining social distance is mandatory.
“On this World Tourism Day, the COVID-19 pandemic represents an opportunity to rethink the future of the tourism sector, including how it contributes to the sustainable development goals, through its social, cultural, political, and economic value. Tourism can eventually help us move beyond the pandemic, by bringing people together and promoting solidarity and trust – crucial ingredients in advancing the global cooperation so urgently needed at this time,” the United Nations had said.
As COVID-19 pandemic has hit the tourism industry hardest, World Tourism Day 2020 was an opportunity to recognize the potential of tourism in building a better future for all. COVID-19 pandemic has changed the tourism scenario of the world. Tourism has the capacity to unite people, which will play an important role in global cooperation in fighting job losses due to the pandemic. Due to COVID-19 pandemic, the industry had been hard hit. Also in many rural places, tourism is one of the few feasible economic sectors. As per the data of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), about 100 to 120 million jobs in the tourism industry are at risk directly.
Locally here in Mangaluru, the Government Tourism Department-DK, in association with District Administration and Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) hosted the World Tourism Day on Sunday, 27 September 2020 at 11 pm, on the Tannirbhavi Beach- ‘Sun, Sand and Sea! It was a perfect and awesome sunny day for this Fest, taking a break from the incessant rains that lashed the City in the last few days. The chief guest for the occasion was Deputy commissioner Dr K V Rajendra, joined on the dais by- MCC Commissioner Akshy Sridhar IAS; Isaac Vas-President of Kanara Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Mrs Suneetha -Area corporator; Jagadeesh Boloor Managing Director of Yojaka Co, which manages Tannirbhavi Beach; Chandrashekar Shetty- President, Hotel Owners Association; Somashekar- Assistant Director-DK Tourism Dept, among others.
In his speech, DK Deputy Commissioner Dr K V Rajendra said, “A proposal to develop Tannirbhavi Beach at a cost of Rs 5 crore was submitted to the government for approval. The proposal aims to provide various basic amenities and other works to promote tourism, which is part of the Swacchata Pakwada 2020. Under the action plan on 2020-21, there are 27 works planned on basic facilities to promote tourism, at a cost of Rs 17.34 crore in the district and Rs 910.95 lakhs was already released. Steps will be taken to complete the works at the earliest. Works worth Rs 10 crore will be taken up under Karnataka Tourism Vision Group to develop Sashihithlu Beach. Development works have already started at Someshwara, Uchila and Talapady beaches at a cost of nearly 1.50 crore”
“To promote tourism in urban and rural areas, the tourism department had given permission to 32 home-Stays to operate in the district. The DK Tourism Development committee had given permission for six tourism entrepreneurs to start water adventure activities on the banks of Nethravati, Gurupura and Maravoor rivers. In addition, the committee has given permission to start cruise restaurants in Sulthan Bathery and Old Port. Six Pravasi Mitra has been posted near Beaches to ensure the safety of tourists. Tourism projects need to be implemented in the district with community participation. Opinion from the public will be collected to promote tourism at various places of interest in the district and an action plan will be prepared accordingly in the future. All tourism promotion activities will happen within ambit of law, such as adhering to the CRZ norms and other statutory requirements.” added DC Dr Rajendra.
Also speaking on the occasion, MCC Commissioner Akshy Sridhar said, “As COVID-19 pandemic has hit the tourism industry hardest, World Tourism Day 2020 is an opportunity to recognize the potential of tourism in building a better future for all. Tourism empowers rural communities, providing jobs and opportunities, most notably for women and youth all around the world. Tourism is one of the major sources of income for the people living in the rural world as it helps them to hold onto their unique cultural heritage and traditions, and at the same time acts as an auxiliary in safeguarding habitat and endangered species. Tourism has the capacity to unite people, which will play an important role in global cooperation in fighting job losses due to the pandemic. World Tourism Day amid the pandemic this year has a crucial role to play. Amid job losses, tourism can to drive economic recovery and generate work in the rural sector- and we have to work hard to promote tourism in rural areas”.
As part of the celebration, Beach-Volleyball, Self-Protection Training, Fitness Training, Swacchata Pakwada 2020, and few other events were organized on the beach. A warning board was installed at Tannibhavi Beach, and signboards installed by the tourism department were unveiled on the occasion. A few plants were also planted by the DC and other dignitaries. The programme was compered by Manjunath D of Nisarga Advertising and Event Management, Mangaluru.
Speaking to Team Mangalorean, Mrs Eulalia D’Souza- proprietor of Lia Travels and Tours, Bejai, Mangaluru who attended the programme said, “This year’s International Tourism Day Celebration, is only symbolic, I must say. When the tourism industry is in doll drums and is going through turbulent times, it’s pretty difficult to celebrate. This situation is for the entire world, hence that’s just a solace and consolation. Corona- COVID 19, seems like it’s not going away in a hurry. Also that a vaccine or proper medicine is not available in the near future. Therefore, the Tourism Industry specially will suffer set back, which is worse than any other Industry. However, the Tourism industry will bounce back in the future soon. While skies are closed, oceans and seas being turbulent for cruise Liners, doors of hotels and resorts being almost closed, life has to go on. So, we are sure things will come back to normal soon. Tourism Industry has been contributing its might to the GDP of our economy”
Ending this column with a quote-“The traveller sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see. The thing about tourism is that the reality of a place is quite different from the mythology of it. Life is a journey that must be travelled no matter how bad the roads and accommodations”
