Nightlife fans, this one is for you! Soon, you’ll be able to get a slice of Goa’s vibrant beach nightlife on your very own Mangalore beaches. How, you may ask? The Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) is thinking of giving Mangalore beaches a lively makeover. This means Mangalore will soon introduce shacks and relax alcohol consumption rules. Keep reading to know more about the new policy that might soon turn Mangalore’s beaches into the next party hub!
Goa’s shack and liquor culture is quite popular. The state has taken considerable steps to amp up its tourism by focusing on its beaches and nightlife. Go to any famous beach in Goa and you’ll come across plenty of beach shacks, clubs, and restaurants that serve during the day and turn into happening party spots once the sun goes down. Karnataka’s state tourism director and KSTDC Managing Director (MD) Rajendra KV is set to introduce a new tourism policy that will work towards boosting tourism on Mangalore’s beaches.
What Will Be Included In The New Policy?
At the Connect 2024, an interactive session with stakeholders from the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, discussed planning and installing more streetlights near beach premises to make it safer for people at night. Tourism Director and KSTDC MD Dr KV Rajendra also directed district officials to identify both government and private land parcels in order to promote tent tourism across Karnataka.
Stakeholders requested for easing beach restrictions and permitting the consumption of alcohol on Karnataka’s beaches. Mr Rajendra agreed with the stakeholders and considered it necessary if the state has to attract more tourists, similar to Goa. The department will be considering allowing shacks and liquor sales to attract larger tourist crowds.
Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan MP states that visitors can stay on the beaches in Mangaluru city until 1 AM. However, he acknowledged the concerns raised by some residents about allowing access to the beaches after 9 PM. To address these issues, he plans to collaborate with the police department.
Mr Rajendra mentioned that they are considering opening a facilitation center to expedite the process of obtaining CRZ (Coastal Regulation Zone) clearance. The facilitation center will come in handy for other approvals for tourism projects. He assured stakeholders that the new tourism policy would feature a separate chapter dedicated to tourism development in coastal areas.
Summing Up
With a new tourism policy on the cards by KSTDC MD Rajendra KV, it will be interesting to see how it shapes up. If the provisions proposed at Connect 2024 come to fruition, Mangalore’s beaches will feature lively shacks that will promote the sale of liquor on beaches. This will easily pull crowds on the beaches as they look for more nightlife hangout spots. The policy is hopeful of boosting beach tourism in the state, on par with Goa.
