The Karnataka Cabinet, at its meeting in Mangaluru on Friday, approved a separate Coastal and Malnad Karnataka Tourism Policy 2026 with a view to promoting tourism and boosting the economic development of the region.

Briefing reporters after the Cabinet meeting, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said the policy was aimed at encouraging investment in the greenfield tourism sector in these regions. Steps would be taken to treat tourism investments as infrastructure projects so as to provide investors with longer loan repayment tenures.

Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara, who later addressed the media, said that about 45% of tourists visiting Karnataka travel to these regions, contributing nearly ₹2,876 crore annually in foreign exchange earnings. The policy, therefore, assumes significance in developing tourism in a systematic manner while providing the necessary infrastructure and employment opportunities for local people.

He said the policy includes elements such as priority tourism projects, priority tourist circuits, an institutional framework, and the inclusion of a comprehensive coastal tourism plan in the Karnataka Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP). It covers aspects such as tourism infrastructure and connectivity development, land management within the framework of coastal and environmental regulations, investment and Ease of Doing Business, promotion and training.

The priority tourist circuits identified under the policy are the Coast-to-Ghats Blue-Green Circuit, Coastal Pilgrimage and Heritage Circuit, Beach and Surf Circuit, Cruise and Backwater Circuit, Coastal and Inland Food Circuit, Coffee and Plantation Circuit, Western Ghats Eco and Adventure Circuit, Monsoon Circuit and Ancient Heritage Circuit.

A State Tourism Board will be established under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister. Tourism Investment Help Centres and a single-window system will be introduced for the convenience of investors. Measures such as granting industry status to tourism, providing property tax exemptions in tourism investment promotion areas and other incentives will also be taken. The policy will be implemented at a cost of ₹500 crore, Dr. Parameshwara said.

For the effective implementation of the policy, the Cabinet has also approved the Coastal Tourism Perspective Plan. An assessment will be carried out on the physical condition of the tourism sector in the coastal region, tourism assets, tourist information, accessibility, environmental and regulatory frameworks, and challenges to tourism development.

It also outlines the reference framework for the implementation of the Coastal Malnad Karnataka Tourism Policy, including identifying tourism opportunities and priorities in the coastal region, investment approaches and required arrangements.