Sir, Karnataka has great potential in several areas which should be properly exploited for the all round development of the State and its people. The State can be developed as a major tourist destination of India. The Government should formulate a comprehensive tourism policy with thrust on joint efforts with private sector and emphasis on development of basic tourism-related infrastructure.

Co-ordination of various government departments is very much essential as this will give a boost to the State’s economy. As tourism has large potential for employment generation in both urban and rural areas, especially for unskilled youth, this will give a fillip to rural economy, which in its turn, will help in the socio-economic development of the rural people.

State Government should take effective measures to market Karnataka to the corporate sector, high spending and middle class tourists in India and abroad as the State has several places of historical and cultural importance like Gol Gumbaz, Mysore Palace, Brindavan Gardens, Srirangapatana, Hampi, fascinating beaches in coastal Karnataka near Karwar and so on. The Konkan Railway will further give boost to tourism.

Top priority should be given for upgrading basic tourism infrastructure like good motorable roads, better civic amenities, clean and hygienic accommodation at major tourist places to cater to both middle class and high spending tourists, good eateries on highways, healthcare facilities besides dedicated and professional tourist guides. The police should firmly deal in railway stations, bus stops and airports.

Tourism has become a flourishing industry today. It is only because of excellent tourism facilities in Male, Sri Lanka, Thailand , Singapore and Mauritius that the economy of these small countries has vastly improved. Hence the Karnataka Government should prepare a blueprint to develop the tourism industry in the State for the development of the State and its people.

Sir, - We highly appreciate your newspaper which is very widely read in UAE/GULF by Indian expatriates for publishing our earlier article regarding direct flights to Dubai.

Also we thank C.M Ibrahim honorable Minister of Civil Aviation for taking personal initiative in starting these direct flight from Bangalore to Dubai which are completely inadequate. Seeing large number of Indian expatriate in UAE. Seeing these large number of Indian expatriates in UAE who have invested in Bangalore in real estate and are planning to make long term investments in Karnataka. Besides, there are large number of NRI’s and middle East/Gulf students who are studying in Karnataka in professional colleges.

So their parents make frequent visits to see their children here. Besides rich companies have already started looking at Karnataka as their major investment center. Recent example is opening of major Gulf bank in Bangalore beside Karnataka has great tourism potential.

So we request Prime Minister H.D Deve Gowda and C.M Ibrahim civil Aviation Minister to take personal interest in increasing the frequency of these flights.