Mangaluru next biggest contributor after Bengaluru: CM Siddaramaiah

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Jan 11, 2026: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday said that Mangaluru is the highest contributor to the state after Bengaluru and asserted that the government will extend all possible support to investors in the tourism sector.

Addressing the Coastal Karnataka Tourism Summit–2026 here, he said several investors had signed Letters of Intent at the summit and the government would back initiatives aimed at tourism development. Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada districts, he noted, have immense tourism potential.

The Chief Minister said the government had formulated a comprehensive tourism policy after coming to power and implemented a five-year policy for 2024–2029. While Karnataka has many destinations requiring development, the coastal districts offer vast scope for tourism growth, he added.

Despite having a 320-km-long coastline, Siddaramaiah said it had not been effectively utilised for tourism so far. The government is keen on developing tourism along the globally recognised coastline, he said.

Highlighting the region’s strengths, he said the coastal belt has seen strong growth in banking, education and healthcare, with an average literacy rate of 88.56 per cent as per the 2011 Census. Karnataka ranks second after Maharashtra in GST collection, with a significant contribution from coastal districts. With tourism development, the state could even overtake Maharashtra, he added.

Siddaramaiah said Mangaluru attracts students from across the country and abroad, but it was unfortunate that many locals still seek employment in Arab countries. Creating local livelihood opportunities through tourism is essential, he said, and lauded Prakash Shetty for coming forward to establish a five-star hotel in the city.

Stressing the importance of law and order for tourism growth, the Chief Minister welcomed the peaceful atmosphere in Dakshina Kannada district and cautioned against dividing society on the basis of religion or caste. All religions preach love, not hatred, he said, adding that no one should take the law into their own hands.

He also called upon the media to actively disseminate information about tourism opportunities and urged locals to establish enterprises, noting that the region has no shortage of resources, only the need for investment intent.