In a significant bureaucratic reshuffle by the Government of Karnataka, Dr. Ram Prasath Manohar, IAS (2010 Batch) has assumed concurrent charge as Commissioner of Tourism, Government of Karnataka, while continuing to serve as the Managing Director of Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL). The appointment marks his return to Karnataka Tourism, where he had earlier served with distinction as Director of the Department of Tourism from 2022 to 2024.
Widely regarded as one of Karnataka’s dynamic and progressive administrators, Dr. Ram Prasath’s return to the tourism department is expected to provide renewed momentum to the state’s tourism development initiatives. His earlier tenure as Tourism Director was noted for promoting destination development, strengthening tourism infrastructure, and enhancing Karnataka’s visibility in domestic and international markets.
Describing the new responsibility as personally meaningful, Dr. Ram Prasath said that taking charge as Commissioner represents his second innings with the Tourism Department, a sector that he believes holds tremendous potential for sustainable economic growth and employment generation.
“Karnataka is uniquely positioned as one of India’s most diverse tourism destinations, offering an extraordinary blend of heritage, culture, spirituality, wildlife, nature, wellness, adventure, innovation and experiential travel,” he said after assuming office.
With ten UNESCO World Heritage monuments and sites, magnificent temples, vibrant cities, pristine beaches, hill stations, forests and emerging tourism circuits, Karnataka possesses immense opportunities to strengthen its position as one of Asia’s leading tourism destinations. Dr. Ram Prasath emphasized that his priority would be to work closely with government agencies, private stakeholders and local communities to further enhance tourism infrastructure, improve visitor experiences and promote sustainable and responsible tourism across the state.
He expressed gratitude to the Government of Karnataka for entrusting him with the additional responsibility while continuing his role as Managing Director of KPTCL.
“I remain committed to contributing towards the vision of making Karnataka a premier destination on the global tourism map,” he stated.
Soon after assuming charge, Dr. Ram Prasath chaired a comprehensive review meeting with senior officials of the Tourism Department to outline a roadmap for strengthening Karnataka Tourism. The discussions focused on destination management, infrastructure development, improved visitor services, sustainable tourism practices, wider destination marketing and greater participation of local communities.
One of the key initiatives currently under development is “Namma Guide,” an innovative digital platform that aims to connect tourists with certified local guides across Karnataka. Being developed under the guidance of Shri K.J. George, Hon’ble Minister for Energy and Tourism, the platform is expected to enhance visitor experiences through authentic local storytelling while creating new livelihood opportunities for trained guides and promoting responsible tourism.
The department is also looking to collaborate with technology companies and start-ups to build innovative digital tourism solutions that reflect Karnataka’s spirit of innovation and improve destination accessibility.
Throughout his administrative career, Dr. Ram Prasath has held several important assignments, including Managing Director of Karnataka State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (KSIIDC), Managing Director of Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Limited, Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate of Ballari, Chief Executive Officer of Uttara Kannada Zilla Panchayat, and Chairman of the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), where he successfully led several transformative initiatives to modernize Bengaluru’s urban water management system.
His diverse administrative experience across infrastructure, urban development, public utilities and tourism is expected to strengthen Karnataka’s efforts in building world-class tourism infrastructure and creating sustainable tourism ecosystems.
Tourism industry stakeholders have widely welcomed Dr. Ram Prasath’s return to Karnataka Tourism, expressing confidence that his experience, vision and administrative leadership will help accelerate the state’s tourism growth. His emphasis on sustainable development, digital innovation, destination management and community participation aligns closely with Karnataka’s long-term tourism strategy.
With the state’s tourism campaign, “One State, Many Worlds,” showcasing Karnataka’s remarkable diversity of heritage, culture, wildlife, wellness, coastlines, adventure and living traditions, the renewed leadership is expected to further position Karnataka as one of India’s most attractive and globally competitive tourism destinations.
As Dr. Ram Prasath begins his second tenure with Karnataka Tourism, the industry looks forward to a new phase of innovation, collaboration and sustainable growth that will strengthen Karnataka’s position on the global tourism map while creating greater opportunities for local communities and tourism entrepreneurs.
