MANGALURU: Dr. V. Ram Prasath Manohar, IAS, Secretary to the Government of Karnataka, Department of Tourism, visited New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) to discuss opportunities for promoting and developing coastal and maritime tourism in the region.
The dignitary was accompanied by Shri Darshan H. V., IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Dakshina Kannada, and Shri Rahul Ratnam Pandey, IAS, Commissioner, Mangaluru City Corporation.
Smt. S. Shanthi, Deputy Chairperson, NMPA, welcomed the dignitaries to the Port and held a formal meeting with the visiting delegation. Senior officers of NMPA were also present during the interaction.
The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between the Port and the State Tourism Department and exploring avenues to unlock the significant tourism potential offered by Karnataka’s coastline, port infrastructure and maritime assets.
Discussions centred on identifying opportunities to further integrate the region’s maritime infrastructure with tourism initiatives, while promoting Mangaluru and the surrounding coastal areas as attractive destinations for cruise tourism, coastal tourism and maritime experiences.
The delegation also explored the potential for developing tourism-oriented activities around the region’s rich maritime heritage and coastal ecosystem. Greater collaboration among the Port, tourism authorities, district administration and the Mangaluru City Corporation can help create an integrated framework for enhancing tourism infrastructure, improving visitor experiences and generating new economic opportunities for local communities.
With its strategic location on the Karnataka coast and established port infrastructure, NMPA has the potential to play a greater role in supporting the growth of the region’s maritime tourism sector. Increased cruise connectivity and tourism-linked port facilities can further contribute to positioning Mangaluru as an important gateway for visitors seeking to explore Karnataka’s coastal heritage and attractions.
The interaction underlined the importance of inter-agency collaboration and coordinated development to harness the full potential of the coastline and maritime assets. Such initiatives are expected to contribute to sustainable tourism development, strengthen the local economy and create new opportunities across the coastal tourism and hospitality ecosystem.
The visit marks an important step towards fostering stronger collaboration between NMPA and the Government of Karnataka and exploring new avenues for transforming the region’s maritime strengths into opportunities for tourism, economic development and greater regional connectivity.
