Mangaluru (Karnataka) Oct 24 (PTI) Now, the Karnataka government wants to go the Goa way and relax rules when it comes to alcohol consumption. Insisting that beach and booze equal more tourists, the officials are considering proposals to put up shacks selling alcohol as well as tented accommodations on the beaches in an effort to boost tourism.
Karnataka's coastline is about 320km and has nearly 90 sandy beaches. Although some, like Om beach in Gokarna and Malpe beach in Udupi are popular among tourists, they are not as famous as Goan beaches because of various restrictions. People are not allowed to drink alcohol as freely as in Goa and, on top of that, they are not allowed to linger past 9 pm.
Speaking at the 'Connect 2024', an interactive session with the various stakeholders of travel, tourism and hospitality industry of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, Rajendra K V, tourism department's director, emphasised that it is necessary to keep up with changing times and demands to attract tourists.
Connect 2024 was held in Mangaluru on Wednesday.
“We need to relax restrictions on alcohol consumption along the beaches of Karnataka. This may bring more tourists just like in Goa,” he added.
According to him, to enhance safety and encourage people to spend more time at the beaches during the night, the department is contemplating installation of additional lights along the coast.
District officials have also been instructed to identify government and private lands near beaches to promote tent tourism in the state.
Rajendra also revealed that a facilitation centre would soon be established to expedite approvals for tourism projects, including CRZ (Coastal Regulation Zone) permissions. He added that the new tourism policy will include specific guidelines for coastal tourism.
Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada, Mullai Muhilan, said tourists should be allowed access to beaches late at night.
“Restaurant and licensed business operating hours in Mangalore city have already been extended to 1am and the same should apply to beach-side properties as well,” he added.
He further stated that discussions would be held with the police department to resolve issues regarding the current restrictions on beach access after 9pm and appropriate action would be taken.