Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said the state government was considering constructing a Karnataka Mandapam modelled on Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam. Possible sites include Jakkur, Mysuru Lamps and the NGEF premises, with proximity to a Metro station being a key consideration. The proposal is part of efforts to promote tourism by leveraging Karnataka’s natural, cultural and heritage wealth, Shivakumar said while inaugurating the first Karnataka Tourism Awards at Palace Grounds in Bengaluru. The government is also examining ways to promote tourism in Kodagu and the Malnad region while protecting the environment and local culture. Shivakumar said more than 200,000 foreign passport holders were working in Bengaluru and that new hotels could obtain permissions within two to three months through the ease-of-doing-business mechanism. He added that the state had not fully utilised its 360-km coastline and had approved the Coastal Malnad Karnataka Tourism Policy-2026 to develop the coastal and Malnad regions. Under the policy, tourism projects will receive industry and infrastructure status, according to the chief minister. The state government will also seek support from the Centre to address issues arising from Coastal Regulation Zone rules, citing comparable policies in Kerala and Goa. The government plans to position guides and taxi drivers as ambassadors for tourism and showcase Karnataka’s natural resources and heritage internationally. It is also considering a convention centre in Bengaluru, with the proposal expected to be discussed at a meeting with the Karnataka State Cricket Association next week. Shivakumar said BookMyShow had discussed holding 25 to 30 shows a year in Bengaluru, including Coldplay performances, in addition to Mumbai. The government will identify a location for Asia’s tallest sky deck and implement it through a public-private partnership, while the proposed Mangaluru Eye sky tower would require further follow-up because of the complexity and time involved.