Hampi may gain from heritage tourism and guide upskilling schemes | Hubballi News

BJP state core committee member Dr Basavaraj Kyavater said clarity on funding and implementation is awaited. “In the coming days, we can expect details on how much funding will be allotted under the scheme and the manner in which Hampi will be developed,” he said.Another announcement that could benefit Hampi is the pilot scheme for upskilling 10,000 tourist guides. Under the initiative, guides from 20 iconic tourist destinations will be selected for a 12-week high-quality training programme conducted through the Indian Institute of Management.Though Hampi was not named explicitly, local leaders and tourism stakeholders believe it stands a strong chance of being included due to its international tourist appeal.However, the absence of any direct reference to Hampi or North Karnataka in the budget drew criticism from local trade bodies. Ashwin Kothambri, president of the Vijayanagar District Chamber of Commerce, expressed disappointment, stating that the lack of a specific development plan for Hampi reflects a missed opportunity to harness tourism potential in the region.Political reactions to the budget were mixed. While some leaders criticised the omission of region-specific announcements, others welcomed the budget’s broader economic vision. JD(S) state core committee member CV Chandrashekhar described the budget as growth-oriented and inclusive, stating that it would strengthen Atmanirbhar Bharat and promote economic stability.BJP state executive member Basavaraj Kyavater termed it a new direction for the economy, praising reforms in GST and the proposed Rs 10 lakh crore allocation for the biopharma sector, and said the budget upheld the spirit of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.