AI, Digital Technology to give new touch to Uttara Kannada tourism
Coastal Talk News | Karwar
Uttara Kannada should leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technology to make tourism in the district more sustainable, tourist-friendly and attractive, said Tourism Department Deputy Director Mangalagowri V Bhat. She was speaking at awareness programmes and a cleanliness drive organised at Kasarakod Eco Beach on Sunday as part of World Tourism Day 2026.
Uttara Kannada has immense potential for nature-based, cultural and adventure tourism, she said. The district’s beaches, waterfalls, wildlife destinations, forts, local cuisine and handicraft products could be effectively promoted to domestic and international tourists through digital technology, she added. Assistant Commissioner of the Commercial Taxes Department Ganesh Naik delivered a special lecture on ‘Effective Use of Digital Technology and AI and Sustainable Tourism’. The programme focused on creating awareness about the use of digital information systems, smart services and AI technology in the tourism sector under the theme ‘Reimagining Tourism through Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence’. Various recreational and sports activities were also organised for tourists as part of the programme.
Under the theme ‘Clean Tourist Destinations -Sustainable Tourism’, cleanliness drives were conducted at Ravindranath Tagore Beach in Karwar, Gokarna Main Beach, Murudeshwar Beach, Sahasralinga and the premises of Sri Madhukeshwara Temple in Banavasi. Plastic and other waste were removed from the tourist spots, while awareness was created among tourists and the public about waste segregation and environmental conservation.
Assistant Director of Honnavar Taluk Panchayat Kiran Kumar M.J., SDM College lecturer Ramesh Mesta, Tourism Department officials, local residents and tourism industry stakeholders participated in the programmes.
