Karnataka Unveils Coastal Tourism Policy to Attract Investors
New policy to transform 320-km coastline.
Karnataka is poised to rival Kerala and Goa with a transformative Coastal Tourism Policy, announced Thursday, as the state invites private firms to invest in its untapped 320-km coastline. Speaking at the 55th Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) convention in Bengaluru, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar unveiled plans to elevate coastal assets into world-class destinations, signaling a new era for the state’s tourism sector.
Tourism Minister H K Patil revealed that 40 strategic nodes, including Tanneerbhavi, Someshwara, Maravanthe, and Honnavar beaches, have been earmarked for development. “Our coastline is a priority, and we’re crafting a dedicated policy alongside a Coastal Tourism Development Board to ensure sustainable growth,” Patil said, urging private players to establish resorts and premium properties. A recent high-level meeting, chaired by Shivakumar, laid out a clear strategy to harness this “next frontier” in tourism.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, inaugurating the FHRAI convention (September 18-20), emphasized sustainable development, spotlighting Karnataka’s UNESCO sites and coastal gems. The state’s Tourism Policy 2024-29 offers hefty incentives: up to Rs 5 crore for premium hotels, Rs 2 crore for budget hotels, and Rs 10 crore for convention centers and MICE venues. Over 120 projects, worth Rs 1,900 crore, have received in-principle subsidy approvals, including a five-star hotel near Hampi and a world-class events facility by Bengaluru’s international airport. Additionally, 13 tourism projects in heritage-rich Gadag, Hassan, and Mandya districts are open for public-private partnerships.
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Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, addressing the convention post-inauguration, called for affordable accommodation to boost tourist influx, noting the industry’s “limitless possibilities.” Patil also announced upcoming homestay and bed-and-breakfast policies to diversify offerings and promote sustainable, small-scale stays.
The FHRAI convention, themed Future Scape 2047: Redefining Hospitality for a New Era, unites industry leaders, policymakers, and global experts to shape India’s hospitality roadmap. Representing 60,000 hotels and 500,000 restaurants, FHRAI has been a driving force since 1955. Karnataka’s ambitious coastal push, backed by robust financial incentives and strategic planning, positions the state to redefine tourism, with private investors at the heart of this coastal revolution.
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