Will Goa’s loss be Karnataka’s gain? 

For years now, the development of Karnataka’s 320-kilometre coastal line has been on the cards. From coastal tourism policies to separate committees for coastal development, the Tourism Department had chalked out elaborate plans. With Goa, which is known primarily for its beaches facing flak for high costs and increasing resistance from locals, can its neighbour Karnataka make use of the opportunity to attract higher footfall to its beaches? 

For years now, the development of Karnataka’s 320-kilometre coastal line has been on the cards. From coastal tourism policies to separate committees for coastal development, the Tourism Department had chalked out elaborate plans. With Goa, which is known primarily for its beaches facing flak for high costs and increasing resistance from locals, can its neighbour Karnataka make use of the opportunity to attract higher footfall to its beaches? 

“Karnataka’s pristine coastline spans across Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada districts. These have been identified as focus tourism destinations. Furthermore, the State government is focussed on a coastal tourism development cell for the development of beach and coastal tourism in Karnataka,” Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Tourism, recently said in Parliament.  

Experts believe that for coastal tourism to work in Karnataka, these talks have to be taken forward beyond the paper.  

“For 15 to 20 years now there have been talks about emphasising coastal tourism in the State. But nothing is happening on the ground and a big thrust is necessary if we are to attract more tourists to our coasts like neighbouring States,” said Sanjar Imam, member, Karnataka Tourism Forum. 

What the State needs along its coastal lines is good infrastructure. The lack of star hotels, resorts, and other high-end accommodation options has been a sore point for quite some time now.  

“As a coastal tourism destination, Udupi has been doing so well, but there are not enough good hotels or resorts there. Even Indian brands have not set up star hotels there. The onus here is of course on the government to attract big brands to come and set up their hotels and resorts. It should also take the lead in constructing good highways and other infrastructure,” Mr. Imam pointed out. 

A few months ago, officials of the Tourism Department said that plans were in the works to set up shacks at the popular beaches of the State, like in Goa, to provide experiential tourism to visitors. But are these shacks necessary and sustainable? “No,” say experts.