Karnataka is known for its diverse attractions and opportunities that it offers to travelers. The state has everything to offer other than snow clad mountains. It is indeed a traveler’s paradise.

KTS has been known for its partnership programmes with the Governments both at the State and the Central level. They have over a short period of time managed to create a distinct identity for themselves by getting some of their key programmes recognised

Needless to say that during these difficult times has taken the initiative to organise a vaccination drive for all concerned in the travel and tourism industry. This is indeed a commendable feat for the KTS and has been lauded by all.

We are committed to the states growth in travel and tourism and we are delighted with all the support that the Government has extended to us. As an industry tourism is one of the largest employers in the country, demonstrating the power of tourism and we are very certain that with the continued support that KTS is receiving, “we are on the way top as the most sought after destinations not only in the India but also overseas”, says Mr. Shyama Raju, the President of the KTS.

KT aims to promote destination(s) not only to the stakeholders within the state but also those outside thus enabling a wider depth in tourism related products for everybodys’ benefit. “Over a period of time we would be promoting the state, its attractions and the opportunities that it offers to international markets too”, says the Hon Secretary Mr. S. Mahalingaiah, Director of Skyway International Travels.

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CONNECT 2026 was organised as an interactive session with travel, tourism, and hospitality stakeholders from Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural, Bengaluru South (Ramanagara), Kolar, Chikkaballapura, and Tumakuru districts. The program also included a felicitation segment recognising contributors to the success of the Karnataka International Travel Expo (KITE 2025), whose efforts elevated Karnataka’s visibility on the global tourism stage.

The event was graced by the presence of:

Shri. H.K. Patil, Hon’ble Minister for Law, Justice, Human Rights, Parliamentary Affairs & Legislation, and Tourism

Shri. K.V. Thrilok Chandra, IAS, Secretary to the Tourism Department, Govt. of Karnataka

Shri. Prashant Kumar Mishra, IAS, Managing Director, Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation Ltd.

Shri. Prashant Shankhinamath, IFS, Managing Director, Jungle Lodges & Resorts Ltd.

Alongside government leaders, KTS office bearers and stakeholders from across the tourism and hospitality sector of the participating districts were present, underscoring the collaborative spirit of CONNECT.

Mr. K. Syama Raju, President of KTS in his welcome address said, “CONNECT is about building bridges—between destinations and communities, between government and industry, and between tradition and innovation. Our collective mission is to showcase Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty to the world, while creating opportunities that empower local communities and strengthen the tourism ecosystem.”

Shri. K.V. Thrilok Chandra, IAS,Secretary to the Tourism Department, Govt. of Karnataka addressing the gathering said, “Karnataka offers immense opportunities for investors and stakeholders across eco-tourism, heritage conservation, adventure tourism, and hospitality infrastructure. Through our Tourism Policy 2024–29, we are committed to creating a robust ecosystem that balances growth with sustainability, while ensuring community participation and global visibility for Karnataka as ‘One State, Many Worlds’. The policy is anchored on nine strategic pillars—ranging from infrastructure development and skill training to sustainable tourism and digital initiatives. We have identified 25 tourism themes and 44 priority projects, backed by subsidies, concessions, and incentives to encourage private participation. Our goal is to attract over ₹7,800 crore in direct investments, create 1.5 lakh jobs, and showcase Karnataka in at least 50 global tourism events. By strengthening PPP models and institutional mechanisms, we aim to transform Karnataka into one of the top three states for domestic tourism and among the top five for foreign tourist visits by 2030.”

Mr. S. Mahalingaiah,Vice President of KTS said, “Over the past year, KTS has worked tirelessly to strengthen Karnataka’s visibility through B2B roadshows across Coimbatore, Cochin, Madurai, Salem, Indore, Nagpur, Aurangabad, Nashik, and Pune. These initiatives connected over 1,200 buyers with 70+ stakeholders, creating new linkages across regions. Equally significant was the success of KITE 2025, organised in February 2025, which brought together 130 exhibitors, 100 international buyers, 250 domestic buyers, and extensive coverage by international and national media. At CONNECT 2026, we were pleased to felicitate the exhibitors, members, and officials whose tireless contributions made KITE 2025 a landmark event. Looking ahead, our focus is on expanding outreach through programs like Discover Bidar, Explore Kalyana Karnataka, and upcoming roadshows in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Gujarat. These efforts will ensure Karnataka’s tourism sector continues to grow inclusively and sustainably.”

Hon’ble Tourism Minister, Shri H.K. Patil, while delivering the keynote address said, “Karnataka as a beautiful destination has much to offer. The recent discovery of the Lakundi gold treasure reminds us that Lakkundi was once a major economic and cultural center under the KalyanaChalukyas, renowned for its 150 temples and inscriptions. Many such places across Karnataka stand as living proof of the state’s rich heritage. For the inclusive development of tourism, all stakeholders must join hands. While the Government can initiate and facilitate a few key measures, it is through the collective strength and creativity of stakeholders that we can multiply these efforts manifold. That is why we are pushing forward the PPP model—so that private enterprise, community participation, and government support can converge to unlock Karnataka’s full tourism potential.”

CONNECT – 2026 Bengaluru concluded with a call to action: to build bridges, strengthen networks, and showcase Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty to the world. The felicitation program for KITE 2025 contributors stood as a symbolic gesture of partnership between government and industry, reinforcing the shared commitment to elevate Karnataka’s tourism on the global stage.

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The series witnessed an overwhelming response from the travel trade community, with a total buyer turnout of 700 across all five cities. Travel agents, tour operators, and hospitality stakeholders engaged in interactive sessions and networking opportunities, exploring Karnataka’s diverse offerings from 32 stakeholders – spanning heritage and culture, eco-tourism, wellness, and adventure.

Organized with the valued support of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, the Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka, Mysore Sales International Ltd. (MSIL), Jungle Lodges & Resorts Ltd. (JLR), and the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC), along with leading hotel chains and destination management companies, the roadshow provided a dynamic platform for strengthening tourism partnerships and expanding market reach.

Reflecting on the success, Mr. K. Syama Raju, President, Karnataka Tourism Society, said:
“This Central India Roadshow Series has been a landmark initiative for Karnataka Tourism Society. By engaging directly with the travel trade in Indore, Nagpur, Aurangabad, Nashik, and Pune, we have built bridges of collaboration and showcased Karnataka’s unmatched diversity. With strong partnerships, we are confident of creating new pathways for sustainable tourism growth.”

The initiative builds on the momentum of the recently concluded Southern India Roadshows, which drew over 500 buyers across four cities. Looking ahead, KTS is preparing forward-looking programmes including the Explore Bidar & Kalburgi Destination Orientation, the Discover Bidar FAM Tour, a Guide Training Programme at Bidar, and the Discover Chikmagalur Standalone B2B Event to highlight Karnataka’s coffee country and eco-tourism circuits.

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