The latest from the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) is the options for holiday packages and other value additions for tourists. KSTDC hotels are offering to make arrangements for vacations and not just rent-a-room service. Mr. Vinay Luthra, KSTDC MD has stated that KSTDC hotles at Belur, Badami, Kodagu, Hampi, Mysore and Srirangapatna will make arrangements for one-, two- and three-day packages that are inclusive of hotel accommodation, food and sightseeing in the vicinity. The plan is to make this offer available in other KSTDC properties also.
For the northern parts of the state which are less developed and less popular compared to other regions, Mr. Luthra states that KSTDC plans to arrange bus tours to these places. The Corporation is buying 14 new buses for package tours to these areas. Rural tourism is to be developed at places like Kokkaew-Bellur, Kodagu, Banawasi and Anegondi. The tourism authorities are making efforts to involve local communities and NGOs in tourism to pass on the economic benefits to the local community.
KSTDC is also on its way to helping to solve the connectivity problem to Bengaluru International Airport and already has the license to operate 100 pre-paid taxis from there to the city.