(Bidar Fort: A majestic 15th-century fortress in Karnataka)
*State delegation led by Hon’ble Minister for Energy and Tourism, Government of Karnataka, Mr. Kelachandra Joseph George, to engage with the GCC travel trade
TTT NEWS NETWORK
BENGALURU | 12 SEPTEMBER 2026
Karnataka Tourism will participate in Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Dubai 2026, being held from 14–17 September 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre, with a focused program to promote Karnataka as a year-round destination across the GCC markets. The State will be represented at Stall No. AS7254, where its tourism destinations, heritage, wildlife, coastal attractions, wellness offerings and MICE potential will be presented to international travel trade professionals.
(Mysore Palace: A stunning blend of Indo-Saracenic architecture, illuminated in all its grandeur.)
The Karnataka Tourism delegation will be led by Hon’ble Minister for Energy and Tourism, Government of Karnataka, Mr. Kelachandra Joseph George, along with Mr. Srinivas M, Chairman, KSTDC; Dr. Ram Prasath Manohar, IAS, Secretary, Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka; and Mr. Shivaprasad PR, IAS, Commissioner, Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka and Managing Director, KSTDC, along with other senior government officials and key tourism stakeholders from Karnataka. The participation will focus on building stronger connections with the GCC travel industry, promoting Karnataka’s tourism products and exploring opportunities for increased inclusion of the State in international travel itineraries.
Heritage, Architecture and History
Karnataka’s heritage offering spans centuries of history and a remarkable range of architectural traditions. The State is home to three UNESCO World Heritage cultural properties—the Group of Monuments at Hampi, Group of Monuments at Pattadakal, and the Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas at Belur, Halebidu and Somanathapura. Together, these sites represent the architectural, artistic and cultural legacy of some of the region’s most influential historical periods.
(Iconic Gol Gumbad: A Majestic Architectural Marvel in Karnataka, India)
Beyond its UNESCO-listed sites, Karnataka’s heritage circuit includes the Mysuru Palace, Badami Cave Temples, Aihole, Srirangapatna and Chitradurga Fort, as well as the historic monuments of Vijayapura and Bidar. Gol Gumbaz, Ibrahim Rauza, Jama Masjid and Bara Kaman in Vijayapura, along with Bidar Fort, Rangeen Mahal, Solah Khamba Mosque and the Bahmani tombs at Ashtur, add to the State’s distinctive architectural landscape. These destinations offer international travelers an opportunity to explore Karnataka’s history through its palaces, temples, forts, mosques, mausoleums and other historic structures.
Wildlife, Nature and Responsible Tourism
Karnataka’s wildlife experiences will form another important part of the showcase, with destinations such as Bandipur, Nagarahole and Bhadra offering opportunities for wildlife safaris, nature-based travel and birdwatching. Nagarahole is a major tiger reserve and wildlife destination, while Bhadra is known for its tiger habitat, birdlife and Western Ghats landscape.
(Stone Chariot of Hampi: An Icon of Timeless Craftsmanship and Architectural Brilliance)
The State will also highlight its responsible and nature-based tourism experiences, including wildlife tourism, eco-tourism and experiences that connect visitors with Karnataka’s forests, landscapes and local communities. The Western Ghats, which extend across parts of Karnataka, further contribute to the State’s nature and biodiversity offering.
Coastal, Wellness and MICE Experiences
Beyond heritage and wildlife, Karnataka offers a varied coastal tourism circuit along the Arabian Sea, with destinations such as Udupi, Mangaluru, Gokarna, Malpe, Maravanthe and Uttara Kannada, combining beaches, coastal culture, cuisine, water-based activities and scenic landscapes.
The State will also promote its wellness and leisure experiences, including the quieter hill and coffee-growing landscapes of Coorg and Chikkamagaluru, as well as Bengaluru’s strong positioning for business travel, conferences, exhibitions and MICE tourism.
B2B Engagement with the GCC Travel Trade
The Karnataka Tourism stall will feature a visually curated presentation of key destinations and tourism experiences, using destination imagery to provide visitors with a clear representation of the State’s heritage, wildlife, landscapes, culture and travel circuits.
The participation will include pre-scheduled B2B meetings and networking sessions at Stall No. AS7254, bringing Karnataka Tourism officials and participating stakeholders together with tour operators, travel agents, destination management companies, corporate travel representatives and other tourism professionals from the UAE and wider GCC region. These interactions will provide an opportunity to present Karnataka’s destinations and tourism products, understand market requirements and explore potential partnerships.
(Elephant Family at Bandipur National Park in Karnataka)
Through its participation at ATM Dubai 2026, Karnataka Tourism aims to strengthen the State’s visibility across the GCC markets and develop new trade relationships that can translate into greater opportunities for Karnataka-bound travel. By presenting its UNESCO World Heritage sites, Islamic and Deccan heritage, wildlife reserves, coastal destinations, wellness experiences and MICE offering together, Karnataka will position itself as a destination capable of catering to varied traveler interests and itineraries.
Travel trade professionals attending ATM Dubai 2026 can visit Karnataka Tourism at Stall No. AS7254 to learn about the State’s destinations and explore opportunities for collaboration.
Advertisement:
Add Comment