The Karnataka International Travel Expo (KITE) 2025 concluded in grand style, reinforcing Karnataka’s status as a premier travel destination. The event was inaugurated by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at the Taj West End, Bengaluru, where he urged citizens to actively promote the state’s rich tourism heritage. Emphasizing Karnataka’s immense potential, he highlighted the government’s commitment to fostering private investments and simplifying business processes.
In his address, the Chief Minister announced a significant budget allocation to the tourism sector, with ₹440 crore invested over the past two years and a newly launched Tourism Policy 2025–2029, backed by ₹1,350 crore, aimed at driving innovation and responsible tourism. Mr H.K. Patil, Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Legislation, and Tourism, emphasized the importance of connectivity and infrastructure in boosting tourism, citing the success of the Shakti Scheme as a testament to the government’s commitment to enhancing Karnataka’s tourism landscape.
Ms Salma K. Fahim, IAS, Principal Secretary of the Karnataka Tourism Department, outlined ambitious growth targets, aiming to attract 480 million domestic tourists and 2 million international visitors by 2029. The state welcomed approximately 300 million domestic tourists and 485,000 international visitors in 2024, showcasing its rapid tourism growth. She reiterated the role of tourism in driving Karnataka’s economy, generating employment, and creating new business opportunities.
Dr Rajendra K.V., IAS, Director of the Department of Tourism and Managing Director of KSTDC, highlighted KITE 2025 as a pivotal platform for forging global partnerships, attracting investments, and positioning Karnataka as a world-class travel destination. The event saw participation from Members of Parliament, Karnataka Tourism Society representatives, and over 500 international and domestic buyers, reflecting the state’s growing appeal in the global tourism industry.
A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of the Tourism Policy 2025–2029 by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Calling upon investors, tour operators, and industry professionals, he emphasized the collaborative effort required to establish Karnataka as a top global tourism destination. Organized by the Department of Tourism in collaboration with the Karnataka Tourism Society, KITE 2025 served as a premier platform showcasing Karnataka’s diverse tourism offerings, including heritage sites, cultural experiences, adventure activities, wellness retreats, and nature-based attractions.
The Karnataka International Travel Expo 2025 featured dynamic B2B networking sessions, with over 400 hosted buyers from India and abroad and 150 Karnataka-based stakeholders. Thematic pavilions highlighted Karnataka’s iconic destinations, emerging tourism circuits, and sustainable tourism initiatives. At the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre, the travel exhibition was officially inaugurated by Mr H.K. Patil in the presence of key tourism officials and industry leaders. The expo showcased Karnataka’s vast tourism potential through dedicated pavilions featuring over 20 tourism segments, including adventure and wildlife, business travel, pilgrimage tourism, and world heritage sites.
Mr D.K. Shivakumar, Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, participated in the concluding session as the Chief Guest and interacted with both international and domestic delegates. He emphasized the highest priority given to the tourism sector for Karnataka’s growth and highlighted his government’s commitment to generating employment through investment and a focused growth strategy in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
A key highlight was the innovative online appointment scheduling system, which facilitated over 15,000 B2B meetings, creating significant business opportunities for Karnataka’s tourism stakeholders. Over 500 hotels, resorts, wellness centres, travel agents, tour operators, and adventure-based businesses participated, with 150 exhibitors representing Karnataka’s marquee tourism products.
KITE 2025 played a crucial role in enhancing Karnataka’s global tourism visibility by connecting local businesses with international buyers, fostering strategic partnerships, and driving tourism revenue. The event’s hosted buyer format brought in key travel influencers who will promote Karnataka in their respective markets, boosting the state’s international appeal. By attracting investment in tourism infrastructure and promoting sustainable tourism, Karnataka is poised for a new era of tourism-driven economic growth.
The expo also provided a platform for Karnataka to spotlight offbeat destinations and new circuits, reducing the burden on established tourist hotspots while attracting niche travellers. Ms. Salma K. Fahim highlighted the state’s commitment to sustainable tourism development, ensuring balanced economic growth and cultural conservation. She reiterated that Karnataka’s tourism sector is set to become a benchmark for responsible tourism and infrastructure enhancement.
Mr. K. Shyama Raju, President of the Karnataka Tourism Society, noted that the B2B networking sessions facilitated impactful interactions, reinforcing Karnataka’s position as a key player in India’s tourism industry. The Karnataka Tourism Department and Karnataka Tourism Society organized pre- and post-event familiarization tours, allowing hosted buyers and media delegates to explore major destinations such as Hampi, Coorg, Kabini, Mysore, Chikmagalur, Mangaluru, Badami, and Pattadakal.
The participation of tourism boards, travel agencies, hotel chains, and industry players showcased Karnataka’s commitment to tourism excellence. Exhibitors included the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, along with key state public sector undertakings such as Jungle Lodges and Resorts, Indian Coffee Board, Karnataka Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation, and Bangalore International Airport.
KITE 2025 also celebrated Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage through vibrant art forms and daily cultural extravaganzas featuring renowned artists. The event reinforced Karnataka’s status as a dynamic travel hub, strengthening its position as a must-visit global destination. By fostering tourism investments, promoting connectivity, and highlighting Karnataka’s unique experiences, KITE 2025 has set the stage for a prosperous future for Karnataka’s tourism industry.
Also Read
Watch on Youtube
%202025%20Concludes%20with%20Grandeur%20and%20Vibrance){kind=link}