Mohandas Pai-led team to advise govt on tourism

The Karnataka government will constitute a vision group of experts under the chairmanship of T V Mohandas Pai, a former top official of software major Infosys, to advise and suggest developments needed in the field of tourism.

A government notification forming the group under Pai, would be issued in a day or two, Tourism Minister R V Deshande told reporters here today. Mohandas Pai previously served Infosys as its Chief Financial Officer and Head of Administration.

Education and Research and HR, is currently the Chairman of Manipal Global Education.

Deshande said the green policing concept - friendly police - is proposed to be introduced this year with a view to provide security and protection for tourists, particularly women. He said the government has submitted a proposal to the Union Tourism Ministry to relax CRZ regulations so as to enable the State - which has a coast line of 320 kms, out of which 42 beaches and 11 islands have been recognised as tourist destinations - to develop tourist facilities at a distance of 50-80 metres from the high-tide line.

Action is being initiated to establish Karnataka Tourism Infrastructure Limited and Karnataka Tourism Promotion Board, while the draft karnataka tourism trade facilitation act has been prepared to ensure safety of tourists and also overall development of tourism, he said.

Deshpande, also Higher Education Minister, said the recently announced visa on arrival for tourists who visit Bangalore from 11 countries would increase inflows from abroad.

Officials said to provide all tourist services under one roof, tourism plazas are proposed to be constructed at world heritage sites of Hampi and Pattadakallu.

The number of tourists visited different destinations in Karnataka between May-June this year is at 1,77,39,002 (1,76,72,602 domestic tourists and 66,400 foreigners), they said.