Connect 2006 to break new ground

The Karnataka tourism department has "for the very first time initiated a sustained awareness generation campaign in the media, both print and television" in connection with its annual event, Connect 2006, on Saturday (March 25) at the Hotel Leela Palace, according to Yogendra Tripathi, commissioner, Karnataka department of tourism.

Issues regarding development of infrastructure relevant to various sectors of the trade in Karnataka will be examined to facilitate the promotion of tourism in Karnataka, says a release.

Connect will be inaugurated by deputy chief minister B S Yediyurappa and Karnataka minister for tourism B Sreeramulu. Other key speakers representing the state government will include L Shanthakumari, principal secretary, information, tourism and youth services.

Speakers from the private sector will include Tiger Ramesh, CEO, Cicada Wilderness Resorts, Dr Devi Prasad Shetty from Narayana Hrudayalaya, Jose Ramapuram from Orange County Resorts and Mikki Kalappa, secretary, Home Stays Association.