Bengaluru: Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) will soon inaugurate its first resort developed on the premises of Pilikula Nisargadhama in Mangaluru. The property ‘Mayura Phalguni River Resort’ marks KSTDC’s first venture in coastal Karnataka.Although the coastal region attracts a large number of tourists, KSTDC has so far not had a property there. “There were two properties in Malpe in Udupi and one in Mangaluru which were handed over to private parties to operate on a renovate-operate-manage-transfer model. However, this resort (Mayura Phalguni) will be the first in the coastal region that will be operated and managed entirely by KSTDC,” said Pushpalatha H, general manager (admin and hotels), KSTDC.The land on which the resort is being developed belongs to Pilikula Developmental Authority (PDA). Jungle Lodges and Resorts (JLR), another govt venture, previously operated a resort in the same area, but shut it down as it was running at a loss, according to KSTDC officials. The space was handed over to KSTDC in 2023.“One of the reasons JLR did not succeed is that they could not offer jungle safaris, which was their USP. Although Pilikula has a zoo, tourists expect to see animals in the wild. However, visitors will not have the same expectations from us. We studied various business models to determine what works best here,” said a KSTDC source, explaining their plans.Mayura Phalguni River Resort will feature eight rooms, including suites and deluxe rooms. It will also house cottages and a spa, designed in the style of a traditional ‘thotti mane’ (courtyard house). “The spa will resemble a therapy centre —a first of its kind among our properties,” Pushpalatha added.KSTDC currently operates 28 properties, including 22 hotels (ranging from premium to budget) under the brand Mayura and guest houses. However, occupancy rates have remained below 50% in recent years.“Our best-performing properties in Nandi Hills, Mysuru, Ooty, Madikeri, Hampi, and Badami record about 60% occupancy during weekdays, and off-season, and around 85-90% during weekends and peak tourism periods,” a KSTDC official noted.Customers have often complained about maintenance and infrastructure problems, including cleanliness in KSTDC hotels. Bhagwat Rajput, who stayed at Mayura Royal Heritage Ooty earlier this year, said: “We went to the property on a family trip, and there were frequent power interruptions without back-up. There was no water in toilets and no intercom facility.”KSTDC officials acknowledged these challenges. “We hired a digital marketing agency to constantly monitor customer feedback, and we are using that feedback to improve our services,” Pushpalatha added.
