Karnataka May Soon Allow Tents And Alcohol On Beaches To Enhance Tourism

Many people cherish Goa's lively beach scene, but it often becomes overly crowded. Fortunately, travellers seeking a more laidback experience may soon find an alternative in Karnataka. Karnataka boasts an impressive coastline, home to breathtaking beaches offering their distinct allure. These stunning shores invite you to explore and experience their unique beauty.

The state’s tourism department is actively considering proposals to revamp its beaches, drawing inspiration from the factors that have made Goa’s coastal strip a tourist destination. The Karnataka government envisions a more welcoming atmosphere by introducing facilities such as beachside tents and permitting alcohol sales, much like what visitors enjoy in Goa.

At the ‘Connect 2024’ interactive session with travel, tourism, and hospitality stakeholders from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts in Mangaluru on Wednesday, Tourism Director and KSTDC Managing Director Dr. KV Rajendra stated that the department will look at allowing shacks and the sale of liquor on Karnataka beaches to significantly enhance tourism. He stressed the importance of these changes as essential steps to attract more tourists. By embracing this new direction, Karnataka could transform its beaches into a stunning getaway with the perfect blend of beauty, culture, and leisure. “We need to relax restrictions on alcohol consumption along the beaches of Karnataka, which may bring more influx of tourists just like in the state of Goa,” he said at the event.

In The Pipeline

The department plans to install additional lighting along the coast to improve safety and promote nighttime beach activities. This initiative will create a more inviting atmosphere, allowing everyone to enjoy the beauty of beaches after sunset.

District officials have been tasked with identifying government and private lands near popular beaches, aiming to encourage the development of tent tourism across the state. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance tourist experiences and boost local economies. Additionally, Rajendra announced plans to create a dedicated facilitation centre which will streamline and expedite the approval processes for various tourism projects, ensuring that necessary permissions, particularly those related to Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) guidelines, are addressed efficiently. This move is expected to simplify bureaucratic hurdles and foster a more inviting environment for potential investors and developers in the tourism sector. The director announced that the new tourism policy will feature clear guidelines for coastal tourism.

Beaches After Sunset

The Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada, Mullai Muhilan, highlighted the importance of allowing tourists access to beaches late at night, enhancing their overall experience and promoting local engagement. “Restaurant and licensed business operating hours in Mangalore city have already been extended to 1 am and the same should apply to the beaches as well,” he said.

He emphasised that the authorities will initiate in-depth discussions with the police department to thoroughly address the ongoing concerns regarding the current restrictions on beach access after 9pm. These conversations will focus on understanding the reasons behind the limits and exploring possible solutions. The aim is to develop a plan of action that balances safety with community access.

(With inputs from PTI)