KTD to invite EoIs for helipad, restaurant projects

Bangalore: The Karnataka tourism department (KTP) is planning to invite expression of interest for its proposed restaurant and helipad projects. The department plans to develop restaurants across the state in collaboration with private players.

Speaking at the recently concluded seventh Pravasi Bharatiya Divas here, Viswanatha Reddy, director, Karnataka Tourism Department, said helicopter tourism was proposed for Mangalore and Hospet. The state would develop 14 more helipads in addition to the present 23.

For cruise tourism, he said the department had identified Mangalore, Karwar and its coasts for casinos, bars among others. The KSTDC has proposed restaurants in Mysore, Coorg, Hampi, and Srirangapatnam in public-private partnership.

Last year, Karnataka attracted 600,000 international and 27 million domestic tourists. Pointing out that medical tourism offered greater scope for investment, he said while a regular tourist spent $114 a day those coming for medical treatment spent on an average of $324.