TTT NEWS NETWORK
BENGALURU | 23 JULY 2026
Karnataka Tourism is participating in the 26th edition of the India International Travel Mart (IITM) Bengaluru 2026, being held from 23 to 25 July 2026 at Tripura Vasani Palace Grounds, Bengaluru. Located at Stall No. IP7, the Karnataka Tourism pavilion showcases the State’s diverse portfolio of heritage, wildlife, nature, coastal, cultural and MICE tourism experiences to travel trade professionals, tour operators, hospitality stakeholders and visitors from across India and overseas.
The Karnataka Tourism pavilion was inaugurated by Shri K.J. George, Minister for 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 Tourism 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.
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