This article was published on KTS Chronicle, April-June 2024, Volume 1, Issue 4
Karnataka’s tourism development is on an upswing. The recent industry status granted to hotels is a welcome step, but can the government do more? While individual hotels offer excellent experiences, a more holistic approach can truly propel us forward. Here’s an innovative concept with immense potential: Integrated Tourism Parks.
Imagine dedicated zones modeled after the successful Industrial Parks, but catering specifically to tourism. These wouldn’t be mere clusters of hotels, but vibrant ecosystems catering to every aspect of the tourist experience, making it investor friendly and minimizing environmental impact.
One of the biggest challenges in remote areas and eco-sensitive zones is the lack of proper waste management. Tourism Parks can incorporate centralized processing plants to ensure responsible waste disposal, safeguarding our natural treasures. Shared laundry facilities with high-efficiency machines can reduce water usage and energy consumption, benefiting both resorts and the environment. Additionally, centralized water treatment plants can enable the reuse of treated water, similar to what large apartment complexes already do in cities like Bengaluru.
Small properties often struggle to offer a variety of activities due to space and resource constraints. Similarly, most tourist destinations are pretty much shut after sunset and lack activities. Cultural stigma might exist regarding alcohol and nightlife. Tourism Parks can provide designated areas for entertainment, cultural events, and even curated nightlife experiences, all within controlled and secure environments. This caters to evolving tourist preferences while respecting local sensibilities.
Many tourist destinations lack platforms to showcase local crafts and products. Imagine dedicated spaces within these parks – a treasure trove for souvenir hunters, similar to Puducherry’s thriving Art and Craft Village. This empowers local communities, promotes local craftsmanship, and injects vibrancy into the tourist experience. Narrow roads and overflowing parking lots plague many tourist destinations. Tourism Parks can change that by serving as hubs for day trips, with dedicated tourist buses reducing congestion and environmental impact.
The success of Integrated Tourism Parks hinges on attracting a diverse range of investors. The Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB), with its experience in managing industrial parks, can play a crucial role in streamlining land allotment. Ideal districts for initial pilot projects would be Uttara Kannada, Udupi, and Chikmagalur, which currently have the lowest number of industrial parks but a high number of tourists. Furthermore, the location should be central to major tourist attractions in the whole district and in small towns like Honavar. Each park should be a minimum of 200 acres, preferably on non-arable land, away from eco-sensitive zones.
The plots within the tourism park should vary in size to suit the needs of large resorts, star hotels, restaurants, and even small wooden handicraft makers. The layout should be well-planned to include a helipad, a food street, a flea market, ample parking, and other common infrastructure. This collaborative approach will ensure a vibrant mix of offerings within the parks, catering to a wider range of tourist preferences. A transparent and efficient process can incentivize investors from the hospitality sector, local artisans, and entertainment companies to participate in this exciting venture.
The advantages of Tourism Parks extend beyond the immediate benefits to tourists & investors. These parks can be centers for skilling and local employment opportunities with dedicated training centers. Standardized service protocols and quality control measures can be implemented with greater ease, ensuring a consistently positive experience for visitors. Imagine the collective marketing muscle these parks can harness – attracting a wider tourist base and showcasing Karnataka’s diverse offerings. Each tourism park can easily garner over 1 crore tourists annually with over 10,000 crores of combined annual revenue. The parks can also be platforms for public-private partnerships, attracting investments and fostering innovation in tourism.
The concept of Integrated Tourism Parks presents a holistic approach to tourism development in Karnataka. It promises not only to enhance the tourist experience but also to promote sustainability, economic growth, and cultural enrichment. By working on this innovative concept, the Karnataka Tourism Department can pave the way for a thriving, sustainable tourism industry that benefits all. Let us work together to create a future where Karnataka is a leader in sustainable, integrated tourism, setting a benchmark for other regions to follow.
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