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.

The Karnataka Tourism pavilion was inaugurated by Shri K.J. George, Hon’ble Minister for Energy and Tourism, Government of Karnataka, who reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to enhancing tourism infrastructure, improving connectivity, promoting coastal tourism and encouraging private investment to position Karnataka as a leading global tourism destination.

Speaking at the inauguration, the Hon’ble Minister highlighted that accessibility and world-class infrastructure remain central to Karnataka’s tourism development strategy. He also emphasized the Government’s continued efforts to promote the State through travel marts, roadshows and strategic domestic and international marketing initiatives while strengthening partnerships with the travel trade.

Senior officials present on the occasion included 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 tourism stakeholders, industry representatives and members of the travel fraternity from across the country.

During the three-day exhibition, Karnataka Tourism and its co-exhibiting tourism stakeholders will engage with travel agents, tour operators, destination management companies, hospitality professionals and travel enthusiasts from across India and international markets. The interactions are expected to strengthen industry partnerships, generate new business opportunities and promote Karnataka’s diverse tourism offerings across key source markets.

At the pavilion, visitors can explore Karnataka’s extensive tourism offerings spanning heritage, wildlife, nature, beaches, wellness, adventure, spirituality and MICE tourism. Tourism officials and stakeholders will provide destination information, promotional literature and insights into the State’s diverse tourism circuits, enabling visitors to discover experiences beyond the conventional travel itinerary.

Karnataka is home to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the Group of Monuments at Hampi, the Group of Monuments at Pattadakal, the Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas, and the Western Ghats – reflecting the State’s exceptional cultural heritage, architectural brilliance and remarkable biodiversity.

Complementing its heritage attractions, Karnataka offers some of India’s finest wildlife and eco-tourism experiences. The State includes significant portions of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, with renowned protected areas such as Bandipur National Park, Nagarahole National Park and the Biligiri Ranganatha (BRT) Tiger Reserve, providing exceptional opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Karnataka’s 343-kilometre Arabian Sea coastline offers a diverse range of tourism experiences through destinations such as Karwar, Gokarna, Murudeshwar, Malpe and Ullal, combining pristine beaches, coastal cuisine, pilgrimage, water-based activities and scenic landscapes. The Government is also strengthening this segment through the proposed Karavali–Malnad Tourism Policy 2026, aimed at promoting beach tourism, cruise tourism, water sports and eco-tourism while encouraging greater private sector participation.

The State’s vibrant cultural identity is showcased through iconic festivals including Mysuru Dasara, Hampi Utsav, Karavali Utsav and Kadalekai Parishe, offering visitors authentic experiences rooted in Karnataka’s traditions, performing arts, crafts and cuisine. Complementing these experiences, Bengaluru continues to strengthen Karnataka’s position as one of India’s leading business and innovation hubs, making the State an attractive destination for both leisure and MICE tourism.

As one of India’s premier travel exhibitions, IITM Bengaluru provides an important platform for Karnataka Tourism to strengthen industry relationships, expand its tourism outreach and reinforce the State’s position as one of India’s leading tourism destinations. Visitors are invited to visit Stall No. IP7 to explore Karnataka’s diverse tourism experiences and interact with the Department’s officials and tourism stakeholders throughout the exhibition.