Tue Jan 21 01:33:00 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Aims for Sustainable Coastal Tourism, Avoiding Goa Model

**Bengaluru, January 21, 2025** – Karnataka is charting a course for sustainable coastal tourism, aiming to differentiate itself from the crowded beaches of Goa and Kerala. While plans for coastal development have been discussed for years, experts emphasize the need for concrete action to leverage the state’s 320-kilometer coastline.

Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat recently highlighted the state government’s focus on developing coastal tourism in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada districts. However, concerns remain about the lack of substantial progress on the ground. Sanjar Imam of the Karnataka Tourism Forum points to a critical need for improved infrastructure, including high-end hotels and resorts, to attract a wider range of tourists. The current lack of star hotels, particularly in Udupi, is a major impediment.

Proposed plans to establish beach shacks, similar to Goa’s model, have been met with resistance. Experts argue that this approach could lead to similar overcrowding and environmental challenges. Gaurav Hegde of the Dakshina Kannada Tourism Society advocates for a nature-based approach, focusing on attracting a higher-spending clientele, including young professionals and researchers, by offering unique and sustainable experiences.

The Coastal Karnataka Tourism Development Council is actively working on various initiatives, including collaborations with startups and adventure tourism projects. While progress is underway, Hegde acknowledges that significant results may take a year or two to materialize. The emphasis is on creating a responsible and sustainable tourism model that capitalizes on Karnataka’s unique coastal assets without replicating the issues faced by its neighboring states.

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