Tourism  Dept.  to roll out ‘Vision Document’ drawing a road-map on tourism-promotion activities

In an effort to boost tourism in Mysuru, a vision document with short, medium and long-term objectives will come out soon.

The document, proposed to be prepared by the Tourism Department, apart from listing out ideas and action plans to promote tourism, will also suggest ways and means to generate jobs and add to the  local economy.

This was decided at a stakeholders’ meeting convened in city yesterday at the DC’s Office where over 30 members from various private organisations and those who are interested in tourism participated.

The meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner D. Randeep, who said that despite being a tourist-centric city, the tourism potential has not been fully tapped.

Presenting statistics, the DC said that Mysuru receives 3.2 million to 3.5 million tourists every year, generating 50,000 to 80,000 jobs in the sector which has a turnover of nearly Rs. 1,200 crore.

Eliciting feedback from stakeholders, the DC decided to draw a road-map on tourism-promotion activities.

He said that to tap the tourism potential to the fullest extent, there needs to be a greater focus on coordination among different departments and private agencies involved in tourism.

Permanent Cultural Programmes

One of the key issues discussed at the meeting was ensuring that tourists stay longer in the city. Raising the issue, B.S. Prashanth, Chairman of Mysuru Travel Mart, said that many tourists use the city as a transit point to head towards other destinations like Kodagu, Ooty and Kerala. They do not opt to stay in Mysuru and this is the main reason for the dip in tourism revenue, he said.

“There is nothing to hold tourists in Mysuru as all the tourist destinations including the Mysore Palace and the Zoo close their doors in the evening. This calls for the promotion of places beyond Mysuru and the introduction of new cultural activities to attract visitors. These cultural activities must be made a permanent feature,” he said.

He suggested that regular cultural programmes at key heritage places must be organised to promote Mysuru as a destination for all seasons rather than just Dasara. Entry to the Palace must be allowed till 7 pm instead of the existing 6 pm and regular cultural shows including the famed Police Band must be held to pull the tourists and keep them overnight, he opined. “Cultural programmes at places like Town Hall, musical fountain at Kuppanna Park and daily illumination of the Palace for 15 or 30 minutes after 7 pm will make the tourists stay in the city at least for two days,” he felt.

Laser Show

Responding to the suggestions, DC Randeep said that the city would soon have 3D-mapping laser show with state-of-the-art technology. He said that the Sound and Light Show in the Palace now in only Kannada will also be made in English and Hindi. He also suggested preparing a tourism calendar so that visitors would have an idea of what would be in store every month. A calendar of events will be prepared leading up to International Yoga Day (June 21) in advance, he added.

“Admissions to nearly 250 yoga schools have increased by 20-25% consequent to the announcement of Yoga Day but more needs to be done by way of holding seminars, conferences and events to attract yoga enthusiasts. Also, adventure activities can also be included,” said President of Mysuru Travel Association C.A. Jayakumar.

Food and Info Kiosks

In order to attract more tourists, a technical committee comprising experts from health, yoga, education and dance must be formed to brainstorm on making Mysuru a tourist destination, said former Professor of Mahajana Tourism Development Institute Prof. K.S. Nagapathi. Social activist Prof. Shivaram Malavalli felt that along with cultural programmes, food and snack stalls and tourist information kiosks can be set up at the venues.

President of Mysuru Hotel Owners’ Association C. Narayanagowda said that the practice of closing several roads simultaneously in and around key tourist destinations in the name of road works must be stopped as this will drive tourists away.  

Other suggestions to be implemented included eco-tourism, water sports, entertainment park, promotion of traditional art like Ganjifa and in-lay works, air connectivity, tourist bus circuit routes, etc.

MCC Commissioner G. Jagadeesha, Star of Mysore Editor-in-Chief K.B. Ganapathy, MCC Superintending Engineer Suresh Babu, Tourism Department Deputy Director Janardhan and others were present.