‘₹ 185 kr. is spent on providing better facilities in Jog Falls.

All tourist spots in Karnataka that are closed due to the pandemic will be open to visitors from next week.

Tourism Minister CP Yogeshwar said Friday the tourism sector has suffered badly and as the number of cases has decreased, it was decided that tourist spots could be opened to the public.

At a press conference here, he said 185 crore would be spent on providing better facilities for tourists at the world famous Jog Falls in Shivamogga district. Tenders were published and Karnataka Power Corporation Ltd. would do the work in Jog Falls.

During the government holidays, 200 cusecs of water was released from Linganamakki Reservoir to Jog Falls for tourists to enjoy the magic of the falls. A 35 km long waterway would be developed to attract tourists from Kerala and Goa. Two new hotels would be built.

Mr Yogeshwar said three star hotels were being developed in Belur, Hampi and Badami and the foundation stone for construction would soon be laid. Based on the ‘Mysuru brand’, Tourism would be developed in 10 districts. The development of heli tourism and coastal tourism are other priority areas for the department, he said. Mr. Yogeshwar has asked Prime Minister BS Yediyurappa, who also holds the financial portfolio, to provide 1,000 billion for the tourism sector.

Tourism contributes 14.85% of the state’s GDP and provides 35 lakhs of jobs.

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