Overview
- At the Coastal Karnataka Tourism Conclave in Mangaluru, D.K. Shivakumar said a dedicated policy will be drafted after gathering stakeholder inputs.
- A previously readied statewide tourism policy was put on hold as leaders pressed for a region-specific framework with cross-party backing.
- Shivakumar urged private capital to revive the sector, noting past investor interest faded due to legal and administrative hurdles that he plans to address within the law.
- He promised consultations with local representatives and all MLAs to make the coastal belt more vibrant, clarifying his earlier 'dead city' remark about Mangaluru was meant to spur action.
- Local leaders pitched focus areas including temple, beach, eco and adventure tourism, with Sasihithlu flagged for adventure activities and Ullal–Someshwara proposed for heritage status.