Mysuru launches tourist patrol vehicle for Dasara season

Mysuru tourism stakeholders and the tourism department held a mini procession along the Dasara route from Mysuru Palace to Highway Circle on Sunday to mark World Tourism Day. Minister for Energy and Tourism K J George launched the event and unveiled 'Yatri Mitra', a mobile tourist patrol vehicle to protect visitors from touts and provide verified information. The patrol vehicle, sponsored by GRS Fantasy Park, will operate on a trial basis from September 27 to October 31 between key tourist spots including the palace, Chamundi Hill, zoo, railway station and bus stand.

The Karnataka State Travel Operators' Association has urged the government to grant a one-month exemption from entry tax, road tax and special permit fees for tourist vehicles from neighbouring states during the Dasara festival. Association president Radhakrishna Holla said similar exemptions were given in previous years and the measure would benefit tourism, transport, hospitality and local businesses. Minister George also assured investors of eased procedures and infrastructure support, saying Karnataka is 'land of God's own people' and there is huge scope for investment in tourism.