The center does not help, the South should have a common tourism policy: DKS

BENGALURU: Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday urged the southern state governments to come together to promote the tourism sector.

He said: “The center does not give us anything and it is not here. GST is killing us all. 18% GST is killing the sector. Other income cuts then follow. In total, you pay about 45% tax. The southern states should unite and have a common policy to promote tourism,” Shivakumar said.

He was speaking at the inauguration of the two-day ‘Dakshin Bharat Utsav’ in the city. The meeting was attended by tourism officials from southern states, international delegates and other stakeholders. Shivakumar said that when it comes to development, the Center should look at the country as a whole. Currently, development of tourist attractions up to 40 meters is allowed along the Ganges. However, due to restrictions on coastal regulation zones, many tourist resorts along the state’s coast could not be developed. Similarly, development of private properties on the edge of forests is not permitted.

Shivakumar told investors that the state government would look at the property tax structure while approving proposals to set up hotels and other facilities. “Karnataka’s tourism policy should attract investors. In 10-15 days, tenders will be announced for the construction of a 250-meter SkyDeck modeled on the Eiffel Tower in Bengaluru. This will make Bengaluru an international tourist destination. DisneyLand will also be developed on a PPP model at Brindavan Gardens in Mysuru,” DCM said.

Tourism Minister HK Patil said that tourism facilities should be developed on PPP model. “There are around 25,000 monuments in Karnataka. But the government is only able to save 500 of them. We can’t do this alone. We want them to be welcomed by investors, donors, business and corporate houses. There are many religious sites such as the Chamundi Hills and

Anjanadri Hills where investors can work with the government to develop them to attract more tourists. Ropeway and ropeway projects can be implemented at such places,” Patil said.