Both elected representatives and officials who spoke at a function organised on the occasion of ‘World Tourism Day’ on the theme ‘One billion tourists, one billion opportunities’ held here on Sunday, observed that the tourism potential of Belgavi district was yet to be fully exploited to put it on the tourist map of Karnataka
The function was organised by the district administration in association with the Tourism Department.
Small Scale Industries and District In-charge Minister Satish Jarkiholi stressed on the need to promote adventure tourism and develop Gokak Falls, Godchinmalki Falls, and Jain Basti at Halsi, besides temples and monuments of historical and archaeological significance.
Suresh C. Angadi, MP, advised guides to learn more languages which would go a long way in boosting tourism industry in this part of the state. Sanjay B. Patil, MLA suggested installing a life-size statue of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Rajhansgad fort in Belagavi taluk.
Hotelier Vittal Hegde pointed out that bad roads and lack of proper facilities at several tourist destinations were hurdles for the growth of tourism. Deputy Commissioner N. Jayaram said that the district tourism committee was empowered to clear tourism projects up to Rs. 15 crore. Around 120 youths were currently undergoing training as guides, he added. Rani Ravishankar from the postgraduate department of tourism at Karnatak University, Dharwad, stressed on the need for balanced growth of tourist destinations in the State. Tourism Department Deputy Director Vinay Kumar Kulkarni, MLC Veerkumar Patil, and Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Gautam Bagadi were present. A bicycle rally was organised on the occasion.
