“Focus on Agri-Tourism to diversify Udupi’s Tourism Potential” says ZP CEO Prateek Bayal
Coastal Talk News | Udupi
We are planning to give greater focus to agri-tourism by combining Udupi’s natural beauty, religious destinations and beaches with rural life and agricultural traditions, said Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Prateek Bayal. He was speaking after inaugurating the Udupi Tourism Influencers & Stakeholders Meet–2026, organised by the Udupi Tourism Department in association with the Association of Coastal Tourism at Palace Garden, Kaup, on Sunday as part of World Tourism Day.
Tourist destinations should offer visitors more than sightseeing by providing opportunities to experience rural lifestyles, farming activities, local cuisine and the cultural traditions of the coastal region, ZP CEO said. Discussions were held on incorporating activities such as village walks, farm visits, local food experiences and traditional farming practices into tourism packages.
He said introducing folk arts, Yakshagana, local culture and rural traditions could provide visitors with unique experiences. Agri-tourism would also create economic opportunities for local farmers, rural entrepreneurs, women’s self-help groups and artists. Along with the ‘Udupi- Sea Brand’, greater promotion would be given to agricultural and rural tourism to position the district as a destination offering diverse tourist experiences, he added. Additional DC Abid Gadyal said local tourist attractions, agriculture and rural life should be effectively promoted to attract more visitors. Greater coordination among local communities and tourism stakeholders would help further develop the sector. Association of Coastal Tourism president Manohar Shetty said Udupi’s coastal tourism sector has immense potential and called for greater promotion of its beaches, religious and cultural destinations and natural beauty. Secretary Gaurav Shenava spoke on agri-tourism. Twenty tourism influencers from the district were felicitated on the occasion.
