The Karnataka Tourism Society (KTS), in association with the Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka, successfully hosted CONNECT – 2026 Bengaluru, a stakeholder platform aimed at fostering dialogue, strengthening partnerships and generating actionable ideas for advancing the state’s tourism and hospitality sector.
CONNECT 2026 was organised as an interactive session bringing together travel, tourism and hospitality stakeholders from Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural, Bengaluru South (Ramanagara), Kolar, Chikkaballapura and Tumakuru districts. The programme also included a felicitation segment recognising contributors to the Karnataka International Travel Expo (KITE 2025), whose efforts elevated Karnataka’s visibility on the global tourism stage.
The event was attended by:
- 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, Government 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.
KTS office bearers and tourism and hospitality stakeholders from across the participating districts were also present.
In his welcome address, K. Syama Raju, President of KTS, 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, Government 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.”
S. Mahalingaiah, Vice President of KTS, highlighted the Society’s recent outreach initiatives, stating, “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.”
Delivering the keynote address, Hon’ble Tourism Minister Shri H.K. Patil 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 Kalyana Chalukyas, 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 strengthen networks and showcase Karnataka’s cultural heritage and natural beauty globally. The felicitation of KITE 2025 contributors served as a symbolic gesture of partnership between government and industry, reinforcing a shared commitment to elevating Karnataka’s tourism on the international stage.
