Footfall at St Mary’s Island touched 22-23 lakh, says DC

Mangaluru: The footfall at St Mary's Island in Udupi reached nearly 22-23 lakh last year, reflecting a significant surge in tourism. In 2013-14, only three to five lakh tourists visited the island.
At the Connect 2024, an interactive session with travel, tourism and hospitality stakeholders from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, organised by the department of tourism and Karnataka Tourism Society on Wednesday, Udupi deputy commissioner Vidya Kumari K gave the details and stressed the importance of promoting tourism while preserving the district's natural beauty and enhancing basic amenities.
She said that there is a need to improve last-mile connectivity and provide basic infrastructure at tourist destinations. "The roads leading to these spots are narrow and in poor condition. Addressing these issues is essential. The district has 18 beaches and needs essential facilities like restrooms, which can be developed with lesser investment," she said.
"Udupi already offers agri and adventure tourism. People from outside, including foreigners, enjoy activities in Kesarugadde (slush fields), including paddy transplanting. We need to focus on folk tourism by showcasing cultural traditions like Kambala and Bootharadhane," she said and suggested that monsoon tourism be encouraged, as the region's rainy season offers a unique experience.
The district's tourism map, which initially featured 35 locations, now includes 85 spots, with literature and a coffee table book being prepared for promotion. Udupi has also been selected by the central govt for a sustainable tourism development project, with a sanctioned budget of Rs 10 crore. The district is expected to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for the same.
GST woes
Karnataka Tourism Society executive member PC Rao raised concerns about the reverse charge mechanism in GST, which places an extra burden on restaurant and hotel owners operating from rental properties. He called for discussions to find a solution. He also noted that the labour department allows hotels and restaurants located in urban bodies to operate until 1am, the police department implements restrictions.
Among stakeholders, Aloysius Albuquerque stressed the region's unparalleled monsoon season, which presents a prime opportunity for tourism development. He urged that tourism be recognised and promoted as an industry.