The Karnataka government has decided to recommend three important historical and cultural destinations of the State, including Hampi, Mysuru and Lakkundi, to the Union Tourism Ministry under the Union government’s ambitious ‘Global Destination Development’ project, said Minister for Energy and Tourism K.J. George.

Addressing the press after a State-level consultation meeting in Hampi on Tuesday, Mr. George said, “The Union Tourism Ministry will select the final destinations to be developed under the project after examining the comprehensive proposal submitted by the State government. The selected tourist destinations are expected to receive a total of ₹800 crore central assistance, including ₹500 crore in the first phase and ₹300 crore in the second phase.”

The Minister also said that their aim is to attract additional investment through partnership between the State government and the private sector and develop the selected destinations into world-class tourism centers.

“Based on the historical, cultural and tourism potential of Hampi, Mysuru and Lakkundi, a comprehensive action plan will be prepared and submitted to the Union government, giving priority to world-class infrastructure, tourist experience, connectivity, heritage conservation, sustainable development and private investment,” Mr. George said.

Coordination with multiple departments

Emphasising on coordination between various departments for development of Hampi, Mr. George said, “The development of Hampi is not the responsibility of a single tourism department. A comprehensive development will be carried out in coordination with various departments including the Urban Development Department, Hampi Development Authority, Archaeological Survey of India, State Archaeological Department.”

He said that a joint meeting would be held soon under the leadership of the Urban Development Minister and the Panchayat Raj Minister to find a permanent solution to the problems related to the development of Hampi.

Hampi Utsava

The government is committed to organising the Hampi festival on the model of Mysuru Dasara in a grandeur manner at the national and international level.

Mr. George said that a final decision would be taken soon after consulting the Chief Minister regarding the date and programmes of the utsava.