Wed Feb 19 15:27:49 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka to Launch Interactive Tourism Platform, Boost Coastal Development
**Mangaluru, February 19, 2025** – Karnataka’s Department of Tourism is set to launch a new interactive website and digital platform to promote the state’s diverse tourism offerings, Director K.V. Rajendra announced Wednesday. The platform will provide detailed information on attractions, tour operators, accommodations, and more, assisting tourists in planning their trips.
The initiative is part of the Karnataka Tourism Policy 2024-29, which has identified 25 tourism themes and 44 tourism products for government support. The policy includes subsidies and incentives to foster development in priority areas, with a focus on collaborative development and experiential tourism. A calendar of events will be created to enhance tourist experiences, emphasizing cultural immersion rather than commercialization.
A key focus is on coastal tourism. The department plans to establish a coastal tourism development board to guide investors and create a comprehensive coastal master plan. This follows Secretary Salma Fahim’s emphasis on sustainably developing the state’s 321-km coastline.
Further bolstering the state’s tourism sector, the Karnataka International Travel Expo will be held in Bengaluru from February 26-28, attracting 120 foreign tour operators. Additionally, the Urban Development Department has implemented differential property and water tax rates for homestays, favoring owner-occupied properties over commercially operated bed-and-breakfasts.
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