Bengaluru: Karnataka Tourism successfully concluded its participation at the 26th edition of the India International Travel Mart (IITM) Bengaluru 2026, held from July 23 to 25 at the Tripura Vasani Palace Grounds. As the Host State, Karnataka used the three-day event to strengthen ties with domestic and international travel stakeholders while promoting its rich tourism offerings.
Karnataka showcases diverse tourism experiences
The Karnataka Tourism pavilion was inaugurated by K.J. George, Minister for Energy and Tourism, Government of Karnataka, in the presence of senior officials, including Dr. V. Ram Prasath Manohar, IAS, Director of the Department of Tourism; Shivaprasad P.R., IAS, Managing Director of Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC); Sivaram Babu, IFS, Managing Director of Jungle Lodges and Resorts; and K. Syama Raju, President of SIHRA and Karnataka Tourism Society.
The pavilion highlighted Karnataka’s diverse tourism experiences, including heritage, wildlife, nature, coastal, cultural, wellness, adventure and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) tourism.
State bags Best Nature & Wildlife Tourism award
A major highlight of the event was Karnataka receiving the ‘Best Nature & Wildlife Tourism Destination’ award at IITM Bengaluru 2026. The recognition acknowledges the state’s continued efforts in promoting wildlife conservation and eco-tourism.
Karnataka is home to renowned wildlife destinations such as Bandipur National Park, Nagarahole National Park, Biligiri Ranganatha (BRT) Tiger Reserve, and parts of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, making it one of India’s leading destinations for nature tourism.
Strengthening tourism partnerships
IITM Bengaluru 2026 featured more than 850 exhibitors representing over 25 international destinations and 20 Indian tourism destinations. Karnataka participated alongside 16 tourism stakeholders, including hotels, resorts, tour operators and tourism service providers.
Throughout the exhibition, the Department of Tourism held several business-to-business (B2B) meetings with travel agents, hospitality professionals and destination management companies. The pavilion also attracted visitors interested in Karnataka’s four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Western Ghats, coffee plantations, beaches, cultural festivals, wellness retreats and Bengaluru’s expanding MICE infrastructure.
Officials said the event helped strengthen industry partnerships, improve destination visibility and create new opportunities to attract more domestic and international visitors to Karnataka.