Udupi : Former minister Vinay Kumar Sorake said that the government is planning on setting up an airport that would improve air connectivity in the coastal belt with Udupi district as the next destination in mind.

Speaking after inaugurating World Tourism Day celebrations and launching a tourism app of the district at the DC’s office on Wednesday, the Kaup MLA stressed on the Kerala model of tourism promotional programmes adding that the airport in Bajpe requires major upgrades for airbuses to land. There is another airport in Kannur.

Meanwhile, the government is keen on setting up an airport at Udupi that would have infrastructure for air buses to land. The Udupi airport is expected to increase the inflow of tourists to the district. He said there is a need to set up a tourism corridor connecting Ottinenne and Jomlutheertha.

He added that the Congress government had set up a task force to look into more potential spots in the district. Stating that tourism development offers plenty of employment opportunities, he said that tourism would be more lucrative as compared to the agriculture. He maintained that there is a need for farsighted vision to promote tourism

DC Priyanka Mary Francis said the year-long celebrations to boost sustainable tourism is underway. Community based tourism promotions is another unique attempt which is extensively publicised in the district. Measures would help the communities to earn livelihood and showcase local tradition, culture and cuisine. She added that local NGOs and SHGs were involved in the promotional programmes.

She said the app that is being introduced by the district administration is a useful guide tourists to visit local sites with GPS. The app also provides food and accommodation information. She called for collective efforts involving local communities.

Later in the evening the district administration had organised a unique celebration under the theme of community participation in Muduthonse Island which comes under Kalliyanpura gram panchayat. The DC said that other than beach and religious tourism, the district intends to introduce Island tourism. She said the concept of the Island tourism and community participation was conceived following a project carried out by the Students of School of Architecture, Manipal University.