Tourism department hits jackpot this festive season

Around 80 per cent increase in tourist footfalls, including foreigners; so far state has earned over Rs 20 cr

Around 80 per cent increase in tourist footfalls, including foreigners; so far state has earned over Rs 20 cr

The Karnataka Tourism Industry is witnessing an 80 per cent increase in tourist inflow this year ufffd owing to the number of festivals lined up. This increase is not only coming in from across the country and the department has recorded an all time high in the number of foreigners visiting Karnataka.


In the lap of nature: Travellers, including several foreigners, are
thronging tourism hotspots such as Coorg (in pic), Mysore, Jog Falls,
Hampi and Gokarna this festive season. File pic

A source within the Administration and Finance wing of the department claimed that the department has grossed more than Rs 20 crore this festive season. "This is an all time high record for the department
and hopefully we will be able to further cash in on this trend. "The Dasara season, which is upon us is usually our peak season. This year we are going to attract a lot of tourists from across the world because of our numerous special packages," the source said.

When questioned, Baswaraj, assistant director of the department further confirmed this. "We have improved developmental and infrastructure projects this year, so it isn't a surprise that the state tourism has done so well," he said.

Cash flowing
Festivals such as Ganesha Chaturthi, Onam and Ramzan have blessed the state with an extended weekend and hence more than 45 per cent of Bangaloreans are taking off to hot tourist attractions across the state.
"There are around 2,500 people coming into the state from across the country and a lot more foreign tourists too.

Places such as Coorg, Mysore, Jog Falls, Hampi and Gokarna are quite popular and we are expecting a further rise in tourist inflow," said the source. The KSRTC and Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) have further introduced special discounted packages for the festive season, adding to the joy of tourists.