Karnataka Cabinet Approves Coastal-Malnad Tourism Policy 2026
Mangaluru: The Karnataka Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, on Friday approved the Coastal-Malnad Tourism Policy 2026 aimed at giving a major push to tourism, infrastructure, investment and employment across the coastal and Malnad regions.
The decision was taken during the State Cabinet’s first-ever meeting in Mangaluru, held with a focus on the development needs and economic potential of the coastal districts.
After the meeting the government said that the coastal and Malnad regions have significant tourism potential. At present, around 40–45% of tourists visiting Karnataka are estimated to visit these regions, which together generate around US$300 million (approximately ₹2,876.44 crore) in foreign exchange earnings.
The new policy seeks to develop tourism in a more systematic manner by improving infrastructure, connectivity and investment opportunities while creating employment for local communities.
It provides for priority tourism projects and tourist circuits, along with an institutional framework for coordinated development. The policy also proposes integrating a comprehensive coastal tourism plan into Karnataka’s Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP).
Among the priority circuits identified are the Coast-to-Ghats Blue-Green Circuit, Coastal Pilgrimage and Heritage Circuit, Beach and Surf Circuit, Cruise and Backwater Circuit, Coastal and Inland Food Circuit, Coffee and Plantation Circuit, Western Ghats Ecology and Adventure Circuit, Monsoon Circuit and Ancient Heritage Circuit.
A State Tourism Board chaired by the Chief Minister will be established under the policy. Tourism Investment Facilitation Centres and single-window systems will also be introduced to make it easier for investors to obtain approvals, according to a release by Chief Minister’s office
The policy further proposes granting industry status to tourism, property tax exemptions in designated tourism investment promotion areas and other incentives to attract investment.
The government has earmarked ₹500 crore for implementing the Coastal-Malnad Karnataka Tourism Policy 2026. The policy is part of a wider development package approved at the Mangaluru Cabinet meeting, with projects and proposals worth around ₹32,611 crore announced for rural and coastal development.
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