Deputy Commissioner S.J. Somashekhar has called upon various departments and organisations to work together to promote eco-friendly tourism in Kodagu, improve tourist facilities and provide visitors with a better experience.
He was speaking at a preparatory meeting held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office on Friday in connection with Tourism Day. Somashekhar stressed the need for cooperation from organisations including the Homestay Association, Chamber of Commerce, tour and travel agencies and Rotary Club to ensure meaningful Tourism Day programmes.
The meeting discussed plans to showcase Kodagu’s diverse tourism attractions, local culture, heritage, cuisine, art and natural beauty.Tourism Department Deputy Director H. Shashidhar said several programmes were being planned in association with local organisations.
As part of the emphasis on traditional and cultural tourism, plans include a Kodagu traditional food festival and stalls showcasing and selling local products such as coffee, honey and spices. Heritage Walks are also proposed at important tourist and religious destinations, including Talakaveri, Bhagamandala and Omkareshwara Temple, as well as popular attractions such as Raja’s Seat and Nisargadhama.
The department also plans to conduct initiatives focusing on environmental conservation and waste management. These include the ‘Swachh Kodagu-Sundara Kodagu’ campaign, cleanliness drives and plastic-free pledges at major tourist destinations. Workshops on solid waste management and recycling will be organised for tourists and homestay and resort owners. Essay-writing and drawing competitions on environmental themes will also be conducted for school and college students. Other proposed initiatives include sapling planting, water-body conservation and, in association with the Police Department, walkathons, marathons and cyclathons to promote awareness about a drug-free society.
Shashidhar said a Digital Tourism Startup Competition was also being planned, inviting students, startups and tourism entrepreneurs to present innovative ideas using digital technology and artificial intelligence to promote clean, safe and eco-friendly tourism. Digital-skills training would be offered to tour guides, taxi drivers, artists and small business owners in areas such as online listings, digital payments, social media and basic AI-assisted marketing.
Photography, short-film and poster-design competitions will be organised for young people to showcase Kodagu’s nature, culture and tourist destinations responsibly. Opportunities will also be provided for creative works using ethical AI.
The initiative will also include seminars and interactive sessions on sustainable and responsible tourism involving hoteliers, homestay owners and tour operators. Local resource persons who have made significant contributions to the tourism sector will be felicitated. Documentaries on Kodagu’s tourist attractions and digital promotion campaigns through social media are also planned. Schoolchildren will be introduced to the district’s natural and cultural heritage through educational visits to key tourist destinations, Shashidhar said.
The meeting was attended by Kodagu Chamber of Commerce President B.R. Nagendra Prasad, Homestay Association President Monti Ganesh, Tour and Travel Association representative Vasantha, Homestay Association member Naveen Ambekal, Rotary representative Manohar Kamath, Hotel and Resort Association Adviser G. Chidvilas, District Tourism Consultant Jathin Bopanna, officials from various departments and departmental staff.
Join our WhatsApp Group for News and Article Alerts
