Stressing that Kodagu remains a safe and welcoming destination for tourists, Coorg Hotels and Resorts Association President Kundyolanda Dinesh Cariappa appealed to tourism stakeholders across the country to help counter rumours and reassure visitors about the district’s hospitality culture. He was speaking at a meeting of various tourism-related organizations organised by the Coorg Hotels and Resorts Association at the Valley View Hotel auditorium in Madikeri.
Dinesh Cariappa expressed concern that certain individuals were attempting to tarnish Kodagu’s reputation by spreading baseless criticism and complaints about the district’s tourism sector on social media. He urged everyone associated with the tourism industry to collectively condemn such misinformation. He also objected to the circulation of allegedly false data claiming that 45 lakh tourists had visited Kodagu last year and said that the Association would soon make efforts to appoint a Deputy Director for the district tourism department. He further stated that the government’s practice of imposing restrictions on tourism activities immediately after any untoward incident at tourist destinations, without prior consultation, had severely affected the tourism sector in Kodagu. He demanded the immediate withdrawal of restrictions preventing tourists from visiting major destinations such as Dubare, Mandalpatti and Tadiyandamol.
Kodagu Chamber of Commerce President B.R. Nagendra Prasad observed that traders in Kodagu have increasingly depended on tourism for their business in recent years. He expressed concern that any decline in tourist inflow would adversely impact the trading community as well. He noted that the Tourism Department had already prepared a plan for the development of 36 tourist destinations, including 12 new destinations, across the district. He also emphasised the need for the concerned departments and local bodies to address parking issues faced by tourists visiting the district, adding that inadequate parking facilities were also affecting business activities.
Kodagu Homestay Association President Monti Ganesh stated that the government’s measures to curb unauthorised homestays in the district were insufficient. She demanded stricter action and deployment of additional staff to effectively control illegal homestays. She also pointed out that staff shortages in the Tourism Department had adversely affected tourism projects in the district.
Honorary Advisor of the Coorg Hotels and Resorts Association, G. Chidvilas, stressed the need for the immediate development of tourist destinations in Kodagu, many of which lack basic infrastructure. He suggested that tourism-related organisations in the district jointly prepare and submit reports, along with budget proposals, detailing development works required in tourist destinations under their jurisdiction so that the matter could be effectively discussed at the government level. He also stated that all stakeholders involved in tourism must speak in one voice for the revival and growth of tourism in Kodagu.
Author Anil H.T. observed that despite Kodagu’s significant contribution to Karnataka’s tourism sector, the Tourism Minister had not visited the district for several years. He stated that only a direct visit by ministers and senior officials would help them understand the actual needs and demands of Kodagu tourism. He urged the Forest Department to review restrictions imposed on tourists during the peak tourism season and argued that it was inappropriate to completely halt tourism activities following isolated incidents that had not occurred in over two decades. He also suggested that access to the Sakane camp at Dubare could be systematically managed through a proper online booking system.
Dubare River Rafting Association President Uthappa stated that no additional rafting licences should be permitted at Dubare, warning that further expansion would create complications.
Dubare River Rafting Association Advisor K.S. Ratheesh said that additional personnel were required to regulate tourist activities at Dubare and suggested the appointment of a dedicated officer for its management. He pointed out that hundreds of families dependent on tourism had suffered losses due to the closure of the Dubare Sakane camp for the past ten days and demanded that activities there be resumed immediately.
Mandalpatti Jeep Owners and Drivers Association President P.T. Unnikrishna said that Mandalpatti, a major revenue-generating tourist destination, had also been closed despite completion of road works. He stated that the closure during the peak tourism period had caused hardship to over 600 jeep owners, shopkeepers and their families who depend on tourism at Mandalpatti. He also highlighted the serious parking shortage in Madikeri and demanded permission for a multi-level parking facility at the government tourist office premises on Mangalore Road.
Madikeri Tourist Vehicle Owners and Drivers Association President Thekkad Santosh urged the authorities to make proper parking arrangements for tourist and rental vehicles.
Coorg Hotels and Resorts Association office bearer Mohandas and Kodagu Chamber of Commerce Vice President A.K. Naveen also addressed the gathering and suggested that a delegation should meet the government through local MLAs to resolve the various issues affecting tourism in the district.
Coorg Hotels and Resorts Association General Secretary Nasir Ahmed, Treasurer Sagar Ganapathy and Joint Secretary D.K. Manjunath were present on the dais. Among others present were Kodagu Travels Association President Vasanth, Somwarpet Taluk Homestay Association Director Katrik Sadanand, Cauvery Car Drivers and Owners Association President Gautam, Coffee Nadu Car Drivers and Owners Association President Mahendra and representatives of several tourism-related organisations.
