Mysuru: “In a month or two, publicity campaign would be launched in National and International levels for Dasara to woo more tourists,” said Priyank Kharge, Minister for Tourism.

He was speaking to press persons yesterday after holding a meeting with district officers and representatives of private enterprises at the DC’s office here on tourism related matters.

Priyank Kharge said that a good lot of suggestions have come from the private sector regarding developing tourism in city and added that the common contention was that Dasara preparations were started late leaving less time for publicity.

He further said that he would discuss the matter with District in-Charge Minister and initiate publicity campaign for Dasara in a month or two.

Year-long events: The Minister said that Tourism Department alone cannot draw tourist to city but needed the assistance of other Departments and private players too. He added that the private sector has been asked to prepare an year-long calendar of events for Dasara and submit to the Department. He added that it has been decided to organise International Yoga Day and World Tourism Day in city.

Mobile App: Priyank Kharge said that a mobile app to provide information on tourist spots in city and its history would be launched soon in English and Kannada. Such an app for Bengaluru has already been released,                               he explained.

Open street festival: The Minister said ‘Open Street Festival,’ launched by the Department in Bengaluru in co-operation with private sector, has been successful. It is being contemplated to launch the festival in Mysuru which would boost tourism and business activities, he said.

3-D Mapping Show: The 3-D Mapping Show, organised at Town Hall premises during last Dasara, got an overwhelming response from public. Using advanced technology it is being contemplated to hold such a show at Palace premises on a permanent basis, explained Priyank Kharge and added that Aero Sports near Mandakalli Airport, opening of Cauvery Golf Clubs at Home Stays in Cauvery basin and resumption of Air services to city would further boost tourism.