Karnataka Tourism Policy 2015 - 20
Karnataka Tourism Policy 2015 - 20
Karnataka Tourism Policy 2015 - 20
Author
Sachin S.
Asst Professor and Research Scholar, Garden City University, Bangalore
Email: [email protected]
Abstract: Tourism is the major contributor to the socio-economic development of a country. For
couple of decades many countries all over the world show high degree of competency in
promoting tourism. Eventually tourism is one of the prime concepts of discussion all over the
world. Development of tourism requires continuous effort from various stakeholders like travel
agencies, tour operators, local community and the government in particular. Governments at
regional and national levels have the greater responsibility of developing the tourism through
tourism policies. Tourism contributes for preserving of rich ancient culture and heritage. A sound
tourism policy forecasts the future growth and development of tourism. From this perspective
this theoretical paper identifies various potentials and the drawbacks of Karnataka state tourism
policy 2015-2020. The objective of the study is to analyze various factors of Karnataka tourism
which make the policy sound and unique. The study is confined to Karnataka state tourism. The
outcomes of the study may help the government body and the other tourism stake holders to
make forthcoming tourism policies more effective and unique.
Introduction
Tourism is an activity in which people leave their own place to visit another place of business,
entertainment, education and leisure etc. It is an economic activity of revenue generation.
Tourism today represents preservation of quality life and also conservation of our rich heritage,
culture, flora and fauna. Tourism also creates employment opportunities, both skilled and
unskilled. Thus tourism has become the second largest revenue earning service sector. Sound
tourism policies and the programmes are the major pillars of tourism revenue generation.
Definitions of Tourism
According to world tourism organization Tourism comprises the activities of persons travelling
to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year
for leisure, business or other purposes not related to the exercise of an activity remunerated from
within the place visited (Dr Christina Bonarou, 2011).
Hunziker and Krapf in 1939 defined as "the sum of the phenomenon and relationships arising
from the travel and stay of non residents in so far as they do not lead to permanent residence and
are not connected with any earning activity" (Bhatia A.K).
Literature review
In the previous study it has been observed that tourists visit a particular destination intent to
purchase souvenirs and local products which, strengthens the local community. The study also
given a snapshot of sustainable and community based tourism in Karnataka.
Rich Harrill (2014) has focused on initiating citizen participation processes related to tourism
issues and identifying groups of people concerned about, or opposed to, tourism planning and
development in their communities.
Mr. Lalit Mohan Bhatt (2013) explains the need an importance of planning in tourism. According
to him, tourism is a multi-disciplinary approach which requires proper utilization of man,
material and the resources. Since India is a country of geographical and social diversity planning
has greater importance.
Clare A. Gunn (2004) discusses the drawbacks of tourism planning for the development.
According to his study, the existing plans of tourism are not capable of meeting the expectations
of tourist stakeholders. So the planners must consider the multi-dimensional approaches of
tourism.
Haitam Bizan (2012) while focusing on tourism marketing in Libya concludes that the
government should develop comprehensive plans to assure the basic objectives of the
organization shall be achieved. The problem is associated with the development of tourism
stakeholders whose plans and the strategies do not cope and cater the needs of present
requirements in the tourism industry.
Robert Jan Baken, et al (2014) attempt to reflect the issues of Indian tourism industry. The study
accounts that, the tourism plans and the policies are framed and implemented with no scientific
study and approach. Hence implementation of the policy becomes more important than the
planning.
Ashish Ankush Naik et, al (2013) analyze the tourism industry from the perspective of
Liberalization, Privatization and the Globalization. Tourism today is the way of life than an
economic activity. The paper tries to identify the potentials of tourism industry in Indian
atmosphere.
B Chandrashekhara. et, al (2014) brings out various problems associated with the promotion of
tourism in Coastal Karnataka. The paper also suggests various measures to promote the
sustainable tourism in Coastal Karnataka.
The government and the other stakeholders are rejuvenating tourism as major phenomena of
business and revenue generation. The government has established Tourism Vision Group to
establish proper guidelines and through that promoting tourism in Karnataka. Vision Group-
2020 has prime objective of promoting tourism in international standards.
Research Objectives
To analyze the tourism policy of 2015-2020 for the improvement of Karnataka tourism
To suggest various measures to improve Karnataka tourism
Research Methodology
This theoretical study is based on both primary and secondary data. Primary data is obtained
through the discussions held with the tourism professionals and the stakeholders.
Secondary data is obtained from various journals and the magazines. Eventually Karnataka
Tourism policy was critically analyzed.
Karnataka tourism policy for the year 2015-2020 is very special due to its unique
features. The tourism policy is an investment-centric approach. However the policy
neglected tourism promotion tools which is the core area of tourism industry.
Development and promotion of local transportation system has not given greater
attention. Local transportation has major impact on multiple tourist visit hence inducing
investment on development of local infrastructure could be drawn the attention.
The policy didnt draw much attention on development of ancillary industry. Sustainable
community development requires development of ancillary industry. Special packages
can be introduced for the development of ancillary industry.
Too much attention given on investment subsidies and exemption of various taxes. It
would negatively effect on the revenue from tourism.
Unfortunately the present tourism policy also didnt consider higher education in tourism
is the key element of tourism development. Future policies need to concentrate on
encouraging and funding higher education in tourism.
Travel agencies and tour operators expectations are not fulfilled. The policy must
concentrate on encouragement of domestic travel agents and tour operators who also play
a key role in development of inbound tourism. Special packages below Rs. 10 lakh can be
provided for the indigenous entrepreneurs who intend to start-up tourism business in
Karnataka.
Introduction of special packages to promote wine tourism and cuisine tourism. Karnataka
is famous for variety of delicious cuisine hence various experiments could be made in
terms of promoting cuisine tourism.
Cruise tourism and House boats are the other areas which need to be concentrated. Future
policies need to develop cruise tourism and house-boat tourism in Goa and Kerala model
respectively.
Conclusion
The Karnataka tourism policy 2015-2020 is a successful outcome of KTVG. The policy
has the vision of developing Karnataka is a prime tourist destination by the end of policy period.
The policy effort to draw immediate attention on investment, as investment becomes the key
element of development. However there are few neglected areas which need to be highlighted in
the upcoming policies. By then, Karnataka would definitely be a prime choice of both domestic
and international visitors.
References
Robert Jan Baken and Suresh Bhagavatula (2014) Some reflections on tourism and tourism
policy in India. www.iimb.ernet.in/research/sites/default/files/Reflections%20on%20India's
%20tourism%20policy.pdf
Haitam Bizan (2012), A new Strategic Approach for Tourism Planning and Marketing in Libya,
http://www.ijbts-journal.com/images/main_1366796758/0027-Haitam.pdf
Clare A. Gunn (2004), Prospectus of Tourism Planning: Issues and Concerns. The Journal of
Tourism Studies, Vol. 15, No. 1, May 2004
Mr. Lalit Mohan Bhatt (2013), Tourism Planning- An Important Component for Growth of
Tourism, Journal of Global Research Analysis, Volume: 2, Issue: 6, June 2013, ISSN No 2277 -
8160
Rich Harrill (2014), Residents Attitudes toward Tourism Development: A Literature Review
with Implications for Tourism Planning, Journal of Planning Literature, Vol 18, Issue 3, 2004
Bhatia, A. K., Tourism development: Principles, Practices and Philosophies, Sterling Publishers,
New Delhi