The Karnataka Tourism pavilion was inaugurated by Shri K.J. George, Hon’ble Minister for Energy and Tourism, Government of Karnataka, in the presence of Dr. V. Ram Prasath Manohar, IAS, Director, Department of Tourism; Shri Shivaprasad P.R., IAS, Managing Director, Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC); Shri Sivaram Babu, IFS, Managing Director, Jungle Lodges and Resorts; and Shri K. Syama Raju, President, SIHRA and Karnataka Tourism Society, along with senior tourism stakeholders, industry representatives, and members of the travel fraternity.

As one of India’s leading travel trade exhibitions, IITM Bengaluru brought together more than 850 exhibitors representing over 25 international destinations and 20 Indian tourism destinations, providing a dynamic platform for tourism boards, hospitality brands, airlines, tour operators, destination management companies, and travel service providers to connect, collaborate, and explore new business opportunities. Karnataka participated alongside 16 tourism stakeholders, representing hotels, resorts, tour operators, and tourism service providers from across the State.

Throughout the exhibition, Karnataka Tourism and its stakeholders engaged in a series of productive business-to-business (B2B) interactions with travel agents, tour operators, destination management companies, corporate planners, hospitality professionals, and travel enthusiasts from across India and overseas. These engagements facilitated valuable discussions on destination promotion, itinerary development, collaborative marketing initiatives, and business partnerships, further strengthening Karnataka’s presence within the travel trade.

A major highlight of Karnataka’s participation was the State receiving the ‘Best Nature & Wildlife Tourism Destination’ award at IITM Bengaluru 2026, recognising its outstanding contribution towards wildlife conservation and nature-based tourism. Home to iconic protected areas such as Bandipur National Park, Nagarahole National Park, and the Biligiri Ranganatha (BRT) Tiger Reserve, along with significant portions of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Karnataka continues to be recognised as one of India’s premier wildlife destinations offering exceptional biodiversity and immersive eco-tourism experiences.

The pavilion also generated considerable interest among visitors by highlighting Karnataka’s diverse tourism experiences, including its four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, scenic Western Ghats, coffee landscapes, coastal destinations, cultural festivals, wellness retreats, and rapidly expanding MICE infrastructure centred around Bengaluru. Visitors interacted with Department officials and tourism stakeholders to gain information on curated itineraries, emerging destinations, and tourism circuits across the State.

Participation at IITM Bengaluru 2026 further reinforced Karnataka Tourism’s commitment to strengthening industry partnerships and promoting the State as a year-round destination offering experiences for every category of traveller. The exhibition enabled tourism stakeholders to establish new business relationships, enhance destination visibility, and identify opportunities for future collaborations across domestic and international markets.

Karnataka Tourism’s successful participation at IITM Bengaluru 2026 reflects the Department’s continued efforts to position the State among India’s leading tourism destinations while creating sustainable growth opportunities for its tourism industry. The business connections, stakeholder interactions, and market exposure generated during the exhibition are expected to contribute towards increased visitor interest and stronger tourism partnerships in the months ahead.