Mangaluru: Tourism in Dakshina Kannada has witnessed phenomenal growth post-pandemic. Domestic tourist footprints surged from 1.3 crore in 2020 to five crore in 2024, marking an impressive fourfold rise. Foreign tourist numbers, though relatively smaller, also showed a sharp five fold increase climbing from just over 2,200 in 2020 to more than 10,000 in 2024.According to data from the tourism department in DK, the region experienced significant fluctuations in tourist numbers from 2020 to 2025. In the current calendar year, the region has already attracted 2.62 crore domestic tourists and 3,574 foreign visitors.Dilip Kumar, deputy director of tourism (in charge), told TOI that major domestic as well as foreign tourists come to this region to visit temples, beach tours and ecotourism. In the recent time, tourists prefer to explore DK, Udupi, Kodagu, and Kerala, over Goa, along the Western Coast stretch.Stakeholders have expressed the need for additional attractions to draw more visitors to the region, despite the increase in tourism. BN Girish, vice-president of The Ocean Pearl, Mangaluru, pointed out that the tourism sector contributes significantly to employment and GDP. He added that coastal districts require training for industry personnel to enhance guest treatment and ensure visitors feel safer and more relaxed. “Visitors come here to relax and destress,” Girish said, and highlighted that beaches serve as major tourism magnets in the area. However, he noted that all prominent beaches are currently crowded with commercial activities, making it challenging for tourists to access the shores. “There is a need for a dedicated road that leads to the beaches. The region also needs to attract big brands in the hospitality industry,” he pointed out.The region has high opportunities for medical tourism, said Kamal Karanth, co-founder of Xpheno. Karanth said, “The region has several medical colleges and hospitals, however, we have not been able to tap its potential. It is a good time to promote it,” he said.
