Wide industry participation expected

The tourism investors' meet, 'Momentum Karnataka', organised by the department of tourism here on Thursday, will see participation of over 125 tourism developers, hotel chains, real estate companies and, tour and travel companies including several airlines from both India and abroad.

Already, 110 prime investors have registered to attend the meet. "This is a first of its kind event and could transform Karnataka into the leading tourist destination in the country. The meet comes just weeks ahead of the opening of the new international airport at Bangalore," said state tourism secretary I M Vittalamurthy.

He said the department has invited over 500 potential investors from across the world. Presently, the confirmed participants include 15 from Sri Lanka, the UAE, Hong Kong, Singapore and Europe, 40 hospitality companies from across India, 20 of them are from Karnataka, 10 top real estate developers from across the country, leading investment banks, tour operators and consultants.

Some of the hospitality groups that have confirmed their participation include Taj Hotels, Taj GVK Group, ITC Welcomgroup, Bharat Hotels, Oberoi Hotels, Park Hotels, CGH Earth Group of Hotels, Royal Orchid, Orange County and Wilderness Resorts.

The list of overseas participants include Six Senses, Jaybee Group of Hong Kong, Pearl of Dubai, Emaar MGF, Emirates Airlines, Radisson Hotels and Jurong Consultants.

Vittalamurthy said, the department has identified 500 acres at Mulki near Mangalore to develop a beach tourism destination including a backwater resort and 232 acres near Hampi to set up a five-star hotel. The department has engaged a consultant to prepare the land use plan for these locations.

The department is also making all efforts to restart air services to Toranagallu in Bellary district, which is an hour's distance from Hampi. Efforts have been initiated to develop 23 helipads in the state and improve railway stations at Hassan, Hospet, Gadag and Badami, he added.