Mangaluru: The Kanara Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) has unveiled its flagship initiative ‘Elevate Brand Mangaluru’ aimed at showcasing the city’s potential to a global audience. The launch event, held on August 23, emphasised building a strong brand identity through tourism, industry, culture and community engagement.

Vision to showcase Mangaluru globally

KCCI President Anand G Pai welcomed guests and underlined the city’s strengths in commerce, culture, hospitality, and tourism. Chairperson of the initiative, M Athmika Amin, digitally launched Phase 1, which introduces four key projects to build the foundation for Mangaluru’s branding journey.

Key projects under Phase 1

The Kudla Podcast – Mangaluru Unboxed

A podcast series featuring entrepreneurs, artists, and community leaders will present authentic narratives of the city, focusing on business, heritage, food and technology.

Mangaluru Unfolded – Tourism Brochure

Visually appealing brochures will highlight landmarks, cultural experiences, and culinary diversity, available in both standard and pocket-sized editions.

Souvenir Collection

A curated range of souvenirs inspired by Mangaluru’s culture and natural beauty will be made available across transport hubs, hotels, and retail outlets.

Hospitality Enhancement in Homestays

The initiative will provide training and resources to ensure international standards in local homestays, enhancing visitor experience and promoting repeat tourism.

Event highlights

The launch was attended by Speaker of the state assembly U T Khader and Member of Parliament Capt Brijesh Chowta, who expressed support for positioning Mangaluru on the global stage. A panel discussion, moderated by Johnson Tellis, featured experts from tourism, education, healthcare, IT, investments and the film industry, discussing sector-specific contributions to city branding.

Interactive sessions, an experience centre with souvenirs, postcard invitations to visitors, and a digital platform added a personalised touch to the event.

Long-term vision

KCCI Vice President P B Mudassar called for collaborative efforts from industry, government and citizens to sustain the initiative and establish Mangaluru as a global destination. Deputy Commissioner Darshan H V, IAS, extended his support via a video message.