KSTDC Invites Proposals For Heritage Resort In Hampi

Vyas Sivanand -Bangalore

Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation Limited (KSTDC), recently invited proposals from reputed hotels and resort operators and other interested parties to identify a developer for the development of a heritage resort near Hampi on a joint venture agreement. The site for the heritage resort, which measures about 14 acres, is owned by KSTDC. The property is being developed in furtherance of KSTDC’s larger objective of providing upgraded services to users, support tourism and unlock the value of the project land.

The joint venture company will be responsible for all activities related to the development of the resort including investment, designing, engineering, construction, commissioning, subsequent investment after commencement of operations, management, marketing and maintenance of the resort.

After the competitive biding, KSTDC will transfer the land to the winner for a period of 90 years. The clause in the project development agreement states that the joint venture company has to start commercial operations of the project within 36 months from the date of signing of the agreement.

Hampi, which was declared as a World Heritage site in 1986 had a tough time two-three years ago, when UNESCO, which had declared it as a heritage site forced the government to form a Hampi Development Authority. The organisation had threatened that Hampi would be deleted from the list of World Heritage sites if steps were not taken to protect the ancient monuments. The functions of the authority include systematic development of Hampi, conservation of the monuments, clearing the encroachments, and providing facilities for tourists.