*Active Karnataka to Be Launched on World Tourism Day: Minister K.J. George*
Pragativahini News: Karnataka Tourism Department will launch ‘Active Karnataka – Run. Ride. Surf. Explore.’, a new sports and adventure tourism initiative, on the occasion of World Tourism Day, Energy and Tourism Minister K.J. George said.
The initiative aims to connect major sporting events in the State with tourism experiences, creating new visitor experiences and generating local economic opportunities.
As part of the first phase, the Tourism Department will enter into an agreement with leading sports event organisers to link marathons, cycling events, triathlons and other endurance events with nearby tourism destinations.
“Participants should not return home as just competitors. Their families and friends should also experience Karnataka as tourists. ‘Come for the Sport, Stay for Karnataka’ is the core idea behind this initiative,” K.J. George said.
The Department is working on 2–3 day destination itineraries, accommodation options, local cuisine, heritage, culture and other tourism experiences around sporting events held in Bengaluru, Mysuru, the coastal region and other destinations.
In the next phase, surfing, kayaking, water sports, trail running, cycling and other adventure activities will be brought under a State-wide Sports & Adventure Tourism Calendar.
Tourism Secretary Dr. Ram Prasath Manohar, IAS, said, “Our objective is to connect every major sporting event with its destination experience. This can increase visitor stay and create direct economic opportunities for hotels, homestays, local transport operators, food businesses, guides and small enterprises.”
The Department plans to expand ‘Active Karnataka’ across destinations in a phased manner and position Karnataka as a leading destination for sports and adventure tourism.
As the first step, the Tourism Department will enter into an agreement with NEB Sports and work with the organisation to develop and promote marathon, cyclothon and triathlon events under the initiative.
