Bid to hardsell Mysore Dasara to tourists

A strong bid is being made to sell Dasara to draw more tourists, both domestic and international, to Mysore during the famous festival season.

After Tourism Minister R V Deshpande held a special meeting with some foreign consulates last Wednesday in Bangalore, additional chief secretary and Tourism Department Principal Secretary Arvind Jadhav has asserted the importance of playing right hosts to tourists visiting Mysore exclusively to witness the 10-day Nada Habba celebrations.

He told local officials, including hoteliers and tour operators, about the efforts being made by the Tourism Department to attract more visitors to Mysore by taking up publicity in different parts of the country. He added it was the task of the locals to join hands with them to see that tourists do not go back with a bad experience.
 

Depending upon the rush for bookings generally hoteliers raise their rates during the season, particularly for the last two days of Dasara, Ayudha Pooja and Vijaya Dasami celebration days. Jadhav has asked them to maintain uniform room rates throughout the 10 days and notify them as well.

Jadhav has suggested the Transport Department improve its operations so visitors opt for mass transport as much as possible. He has suggested the issuance of a 15-day pass which can be used during the five days.

It should be made available at all major centres and hotels. The Transport Department should take special interest in this direction, the Principal Secretary said. Temporary and mobile toilets should be erected at all visiting spots and their cleanliness should be ensured, he said, as the city attracts more people during the period. The Principal Secretary is also taking up a suggestion with the Transport Commissioner toextend entry tax concession for vehicles entering Mysore during the festive season to neighbouring districts as well.

Explaining the steps being taken to assist the visitors, Deputy Commissioner C Shikha said efforts would be made to upload the programme details on the Dasara website and also make available programme booklets at leading hotels, besides making separate seating arrangements for them to witness the celebrations.