Karnataka Open for Tourism Investments; Government Assures Full Support to Private Investors: Minister K. J. George
Bengaluru: The Karnataka Government is committed to making the State one of India’s most investment-friendly tourism destinations by simplifying tourism policies and providing comprehensive support to private investors, said Minister for Energy and Tourism K. J. George.
He was speaking at the inauguration of the 26th Indian International Travel Mart (IITM) 2026, a three-day tourism exhibition that commenced in Bengaluru.
This year’s IITM has brought together more than 850 tourism stakeholders, tourism organisations from 16 States, and over 26 international tourism organisations, facilitating extensive Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings between domestic and global tourism players. The Minister said such platforms not only showcase Karnataka’s tourism potential to the world but also create new opportunities for investment and strategic business partnerships.
“Karnataka needs greater private investment to unlock the full potential of its tourism sector. The Government is simplifying tourism policies by offering subsidies, single-window clearances, and various incentives to create a truly investor-friendly environment. Whether you plan to establish a resort, develop adventure tourism facilities, or launch cruise tourism services, the Government will stand with you. Our commitment is to ensure that investors can establish and operate tourism enterprises in Karnataka without unnecessary procedural hurdles,” the Minister said.
He noted that Karnataka offers a diverse portfolio of tourism experiences, including heritage, nature, wildlife, coastal, spiritual, wellness, and adventure tourism. To effectively position these strengths in domestic and international markets, the Government has been actively organising roadshows, travel marts, and investor engagement programmes across India and overseas.
The Minister further said the Government is prioritising tourism infrastructure, improved connectivity, quality visitor services, and an investment-friendly ecosystem while advancing the vision of ‘Brand Karnataka’ and promoting the tourism campaign ‘One State, Many Worlds.’
Emphasising that collaboration between the Government and the private sector is essential for sustainable tourism growth, he invited investors, tourism entrepreneurs, and travel industry stakeholders to partner in Karnataka’s growth story.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. V. Ram Prasath Manohar, Secretary, Department of Tourism, said tourism is far more than an industry that attracts visitors—it is a key driver of employment, investment, and local economic development.
“Our goal is to position Karnataka as one of India’s most preferred tourism destinations by fostering strong partnerships between the Government, investors, and the tourism industry. Such collaborations will play a vital role in accelerating sustainable tourism growth across the State,” he said.
Among those present were Shivaprasad P. R., Managing Director of the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC); Shivaram Babu, Managing Director of Jungle Lodges & Resorts; K. Shyamaraju, President of the Karnataka Tourism Society; and senior representatives from the tourism industry.
