The agenda for the proposed `Look South Forum', charted by global consultants AF Ferguson & Company, will be discussed by the government and industry in a two-day tourism conference in Kochi next week.

In an analytical study on tourism prospects of the south initiated by Ficci, AF Ferguson & Company suggested that representatives from both the government and industry be included in the forum so as to enable participative decision making at the policy level.

It also proposed setting up of an inter-state coordinating agency by these states, which, with the help of a professional advertising agency, will define a long-term image creation plan in addition to the identified position for `Look South'.

The coordinating agency has to be empowered to monitor the promotions by individual states as well as group promotions, the study said, adding, it should work out an equitable budget and cost sharing formula, besides seeking participation by private sector associations like hotels, travel and tour operators, etc.

The study further said, each state should develop its own master plan and identify circuits. The coordinating agency should merge these circuits into `Look South' circuits in consultation with an industry working group comprising various industry bodies.

For developing and implementing these circuits, these states should invite private investments and he southern governments should play only a monitoring role, the study suggested.