In a significant push to unlock the economic potential of its picturesque coastline, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has pledged full government support to entrepreneurs ready to invest in the tourism sector of the state's coastal districts. The assurance came during his address at the valedictory ceremony of the Coastal Karnataka Tourism Conclave 2026, held on Saturday in Mangaluru.
Government Backing for Tourism Investors
Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister revealed that the conclave had successfully attracted considerable interest from the business community. Many participants came forward with letters of intent to invest in tourism projects across the coastal region. In response, Siddaramaiah made a clear commitment: "The government will extend all support to the investors." He emphasized that the coastal districts, including Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada, possess ample and diverse opportunities for tourism development, which have yet to be fully harnessed.
Untapped Potential and a New Policy Push
The Chief Minister candidly acknowledged that despite the region's immense potential to become a premier tourist destination, not enough has been done so far to develop it systematically. To change this narrative, the state government is actively implementing a focused tourism policy designed to facilitate growth and remove bottlenecks. Siddaramaiah stressed that the government is committed to practising what it preaches, ensuring that policy announcements translate into actionable support on the ground for businesses.
Mangaluru's Economic Clout and the Road Ahead
Highlighting the economic importance of the region, Siddaramaiah pointed to the robust financial contributions made by coastal urban centers. He noted that while Karnataka stands in second place after Maharashtra in terms of GST revenue collection, the port city of Mangaluru plays a pivotal role. Mangaluru's contribution is significant and stands next only to Bengaluru within the state. The CM connected this economic prowess to tourism, suggesting that strategic development of the sector could provide the state with opportunities to surpass competitors like Maharashtra. The vision is to transform the coastal belt into a thriving economic corridor driven by sustainable tourism, creating jobs and boosting local economies.
The conclave and the Chief Minister's strong assurances mark a renewed and serious intent from the Karnataka government to partner with private capital. The focus is now on converting letters of intent into concrete projects that can showcase the natural and cultural wealth of Coastal Karnataka to the world.
