Mangaluru: A meeting was called by the District Commissioner, Dr. K G Jagadeesh to speak about tourism development and hear suggestions from Mangalorean citizens involved in businesses that promote tourism. Although another meeting will be called by the DC in a fortnight, this meeting was all about getting suggestions to improve tourism in the city.

International relations with Mangaluru is the need of the hour for economic development in the city. Yathish Baikampady, the CEO of Panambur Beach Tourism Development Project said that there is potential in people who sail in cruise liners. “The foreigners are taken on a tour of the city but it is a rule that they have to get back to their ship by 5 PM which hampers economic activity inside the city’, Yathish added.

Pradeep Kumar Kalkura, one of the masters of temple tourism in the city suggested that there should be direct bus connectivity from places of interest and the central city bus stand near DC office. “The Thribhaasha Sutra (Rule of three languages) must be implemented inside the city with regard to sign boards. Sign boards in the city must be placed to show directions to places of interest in three major languages, English, Hindi and Kannada. This will indirectly help develop tourism”, Kalkura added.

Kishore, the President of Indian Surf Association spoke about how the upcoming ‘Indian Open of Surfing (IOS)’ event in May 2017 can boost tourism in the entire district. He said, “Unlike IOS 2016, the one in 2017 will be a massive five day event with more than 25,000 people expected to visit on those days. The event will be webcast live on the internet where more than two million subscribers will watch the event. A total of 15 – 18 Lakh worth prize money will make sure that more than 200 surfers from all over the world participate in the event.”

District Commissioner Dr. Jagadeesh who was listening keenly to the suggestions about the scope for development thanked everyone for their suggestions and said that there will be a half day brainstorming session in another 15 days where groups will be made and an action plan will be implemented so as to take care about the tourism development in the city and the district.

District incharge minister Ramanath Rai inaugurated the meeting. Members of various tourism associations and clubs were present at the meeting.