KCCI Calls for an Aggressive Tourism Push in Dakshina Kannada

On a bright Monday in Mangaluru, the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) unfurled a thick‑spined memorandum before Tourism and Energy Minister K. J. George. The document, signed by KCCI president P. B. Ahmed Mudassar, was less a polite request and more a rallying cry: Mangaluru’s natural endowments are ready for the world, but they’re still scattered like pearls on a string.

The chamber highlighted that the city is blessed with a rare cocktail of assets—sun‑kissed beaches, winding rivers, lush estuaries, the Western Ghats hugging the horizon, a mosaic of cultural traditions, and cuisine that has already earned global accolades. Yet, according to KCCI, these gifts remain fragmented, hampered by patchy policies and sluggish clearances.

Long‑term vision. The memorandum pushes for a dedicated river‑tourism policy that would let private players set up jetties, boathouses, houseboats, and even kayaking and sailing ventures. Mudassar argues that streamlined approvals could turn the Netravathi and other waterways into bustling corridors of recreation, complete with onboard dining and day‑cruise options.

Beyond the water, KCCI proposes at least two marquee attractions—think world‑class theme parks or heritage resorts—to anchor Dakshina Kannada on both national and international tourist itineraries. The chamber also floated the idea of a coastal elevated road linking Panambur to Ullal, a dual‑purpose artery that could speed up freight while offering scenic drives for visitors.

On the marine side, a leisure marina at Ullal (or another strategically chosen spot) is slated to boost yachting, recreational boating, and even serve as a gateway to Lakshadweep and other island destinations.

To make all this visitor‑friendly, KCCI recommends professionally managed Tourism Information Centres at key transit points and tourist hubs, along with the promotion of more Blue Flag‑certified beaches to raise the coastline’s global credibility.

Medium‑term priorities. The chamber urges swift land‑use clearances for eco‑friendly resorts, the up‑gradation of existing beach infrastructure, and the rollout of digital ticketing platforms that can handle the expected surge in footfall.

In the short‑run, the focus is on immediate actions—granting fast‑track approvals for pending projects, bolstering safety measures at popular spots, and launching a coordinated marketing campaign that showcases Mangaluru’s unique blend of nature and culture.

Mudassar concluded with a simple yet powerful reminder: with coordinated policy support, strategic infrastructure, and timely approvals, Mangaluru can step out of the shadows and become one of India’s premier coastal tourism destinations.