Karnataka Government on Wednesday unveiled a new Tourism Policy to bring an investment of Rs 25,000 crore in the next four years to make Karnataka one of India’s leading tourism destinations.
For development purposes, the policy divides Karnataka into four tourism zones. Zone 1 would be within local planning area limits (Bangalore Development Authority) and this zone would be a low priority with few tax benefits. Zone 2 refers to Bangalore Metropolitan Region Development Authority (BMRDA) limits and this zone would be a priority zone for attracting destination projects and act as a nodal hub for global events and activities. Extensive government support, including large project specific clearances and tax exemption would be available. Zone 3 comprises Mysore, Hampi, Kodagu, Pattadakal-Badami-Aihole, Bijapur, Bidar, other heritage centres and the coast of Ullal to Karwar. The zone will be notified in an integrated manner for priority development with integrated tourism development master plans. Zone 4 includes all other tourist destinations in Karnataka and wayside facilities in approved locations on state and national highways. The zone will enjoy benefits and tax incentives.
The Minister for Tourism and Infrastructure Mr G. Janardhan Reddy said that Institute of Hotel Management would set up set up its institutes in Bellary and Mangalore with an investment of Rs 20 crore each. It also provided 100 percent entertainment tax exemption for all newly constructed theatres including new I-Max or Multiplex theatres situated within the local authority limits of other than the Bangalore City Corporation.
The policy has also provided 50 percent stamp duty exemption for investment below Rs 50 crore, 75 percent exemption for investment of Rs 50 crore and above, and 75 percent exemption for investment over Rs 100 crore in Zone 3 and Zone 4.
The Department has submitted proposals to IHM requesting to set up institutes in Bangalore, Gulbarga and Belgaum. IHM would set up a Food Craft institute at Gadag. Sound and music projects would be implemented at nine tourist places in Bidar, Bijapur, Kittur, Chitradurga, Hampi, Bellary, Pattadakal, Halebedu, and Srirangapatna with an investment of Rs 18 crore.
The Tourism Ministry has approved setting up of a Food Craft Centre at Hassan and the Centre. A tourism training centre would be set up at Belur in Hassan.
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