Mangaluru: Ideas and suggestions poured in at an interactive meeting organised by the district administration and the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) here on Wednesday on promotion of sustainable tourism in Dakshina Kannada.

The participants nonprofits and citizens demanded improvement in basic facilities, cleanliness and integrated development of beaches and tourist spots, besides making autorickshaw and taxi drivers brand ambassadors for tourism.

Subodh Shetty, a cycling enthusiast from Mangaluru, stressed the need for developing an exclusive cycling track along the beach on the Panambur-Baikampady-Surathkal-Mukka-Sasihithlu route. As the road runs till Surathkal, some spots can be identified for short halts and parking. Besides, a walking path can be developed along the riverside in Thannerbavi, he suggested. Deputy Commissioner Dr K G Jagadeesha asked him to prepare a blueprint for the cycling track.

Dhruvin, a surfer, said there was a need to maintain cleanliness and sensitise people living near the beaches at Thannerbavi, Panambur, Sasihithlu, and Bengre backwaters. He also sought installation of CCTV cameras on the beaches for the safety of visitors.

He also suggested that some stretches on the beaches in Dakshina Kannada be identified for surfing. Local residents should be training in surfing. Jagadeesha replied that the district administration was considering developing Sasihithlu beach as a surfing destination. A comprehensive plan needs to be prepared in this regard.

Well-known orthodontist Dr Akhter Hussain said Dakshina Kannada didn’t have art galleries. He also stressed the need for river expedition in the district and promoting health tourism.

Abbas Ucchil said that though the state government had sanctioned funds for the development of Talapady and Someshwar beaches, no development work had started so far. There is no security on these beaches. Ismail echoed his view and said there was an island on Talapady beach that could be promoted as a tourist spot.

According to him, Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms should be relaxed for Karnataka to promote tourism. He suggested that the district administration bring out a travel guide book.

Krishna Raj Salia stressed the need to check open defecation at beaches. He said areas must be designated for swimming in the beaches. Besides, a dolphin-sighting boat ride can be arranged at Panambur to promote tourism. The deputy commissioner promised to set up a 24X7 helpline to tackle open defecation.

Participants also highlighted the potential of religious and heritage tourism. They said the government could organise one- or two-day package tours in Dakshina Kannada and instal signboards near tourist spots to help visitors. Swathi urged the district administration to announce a prize for the best tourist spot every year. Home stay owners said they faced problems in getting No Objection Certificates (NOCs) or renewing them.

Kudla Souharda Sahakari president Prakash urged the tourism department to train autorickshaw drivers in Mangaluru and make them its brand ambassadors. He said autorickshaws affiliated to the Sahakari would have tablet computers containing details like tourist spots and doctors in Dakshina Kannada.