Karnataka Tourism department and Karnataka Tourism society is all set to host the second edition of the Karnataka International Travel Expo (KITE) from February 26 to 28, 2025 at Bengaluru. Following the immense success of its inaugural event in 2019, KITE 2025 aims to showcase Karnataka as a global tourism hub, attracting stakeholders from across the travel and hospitality sectors.
The curtain-raiser event at Vidhana Soudha saw the unveiling of the KITE 2025 logo and brochures by Mr. H.K. Patil, Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Legislation, and Tourism, Government of Karnataka. The event was attended by Dr. Shalini Rajneesh, IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka; Mrs. Salma Fahim, IAS, Secretary, Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka; Dr. K.V. Rajendra, IAS, Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka and Managing Director, Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation; Mr. K. Syama Raju, President, Karnataka Tourism Society (KTS), along with other dignitaries and officials.
Organized by the Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka, in collaboration with the Karnataka Tourism Society, KITE 2025 will serve as a platform to foster new partnerships, promote business opportunities, and highlight Karnataka’s diverse tourism offerings. The event will emphasize the state’s rich heritage, culture, adventure, wellness, and nature-based tourism.
With over 400 hosted buyers and travel media professionals from India and abroad and participation from more than 150 tourism stakeholders from Karnataka, KITE 2025 promises extensive B2B networking opportunities. Dedicated pavilions will showcase Karnataka’s iconic destinations, emerging circuits, and sustainable tourism initiatives. Additionally, cultural programs in the evenings will celebrate the state’s vibrant art, music, and cuisine.
Mr. H.K. Patil emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “Karnataka is home to a rich tapestry of experiences that cater to travelers of all kinds. The second edition of KITE reflects our commitment to positioning Karnataka as a top-tier destination on the global tourism map while driving economic growth through tourism partnerships. This expo will not only strengthen B2B collaborations but also reinforce Karnataka’s position as a world-class tourism destination.”
Several national and state-level trade and hospitality associations, including the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI), Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI), Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), Karnataka Tourism Forum, South India Hotel and Restaurant Association (SIHRA), and Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI), have pledged their support for the event. Tourism, South Asia’s leading Travel and Tourism Magazine will be the official travel media partner for KITE 2025.
KITE 2025 is expected to enhance Karnataka’s global visibility by showcasing its unique tourism offerings to international buyers and stakeholders. The event will facilitate business opportunities by connecting local tourism enterprises with global buyers, tour operators, and travel agencies, helping boost tourism revenue and employment across the state. Additionally, it will promote lesser-known destinations, ensuring balanced tourism development and conservation efforts.
A key aspect of the event is its role in strengthening Karnataka’s brand as a travel hub. By positioning the state as a preferred destination for business and leisure travelers, KITE 2025 is set to attract further investment in tourism infrastructure, hospitality, and transport sectors, improving the overall visitor experience.
Key features of KITE 2025 include: India’s largest hosted buyer travel event; Over 10,000 B2B appointments scheduled between buyers and sellers; Representation from over 20 tourism segments, including adventure and wildlife, business travel, heritage sites, pilgrimage tourism, and conference tourism; More than 150 exhibitors showcasing Karnataka’s premier tourism offerings and Pre- and post-event familiarization tours to major destinations such as Hampi, Coorg, Kabini, Mysore, Chikamagalur, Badami, and Pattadakal.
Ms. Salma Fahim, IAS, Secretary, Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka, highlighted the importance of the event, stating, “The Karnataka International Travel Expo is more than just an event—it is a celebration of Karnataka’s immense tourism potential. By bringing together stakeholders from across the globe, we aim to facilitate meaningful dialogue, foster innovation, and ensure sustainable growth in the tourism sector. We look forward to welcoming partners and participants to this dynamic platform.”
Dr. K.V. Rajendra, IAS, Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka, and Managing Director, Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation, extended an invitation to global stakeholders, saying, “On behalf of Karnataka, I extend a warm invitation to all to join us at KITE 2025. This premier event is a vital platform for fostering meaningful relationships between the global travel trade and our state’s tourism stakeholders. Together, we aim to position Karnataka as a leading destination on the global tourism map while celebrating our rich heritage, natural beauty, and cultural vibrancy.”
Mr. K. Syama Raju, President, Karnataka Tourism Society, described KITE as a game-changer for Karnataka’s tourism industry, saying, “By providing a dedicated platform for stakeholders to network, collaborate, and showcase their offerings to a global audience, KITE has significantly enhanced business opportunities across sectors. From promoting lesser-known destinations to driving footfalls at established landmarks, the event continues to create a ripple effect, boosting the livelihoods of countless individuals and businesses in Karnataka’s tourism ecosystem.”
With its ambitious vision and strategic focus, KITE 2025 is poised to strengthen Karnataka’s reputation as a premier global tourism destination while driving sustainable and inclusive growth in the sector.
