Bengaluru hosted the landmark Karnataka Tourism Awards 2026 on September 27. The Department of Tourism organised the state-level event with the Karnataka Tourism Society (KTS). Industry leaders, regional innovators, and policy experts gathered to celebrate World Tourism Day. The ceremony took place at Anantya, Gate No. 9, Palace Grounds. It created a grand setting for this inaugural awards edition.
| Event Metric | Details |
| Event Name | Karnataka Tourism Awards 2026 |
| Date | September 27, 2026 (World Tourism Day) |
| Venue | Anantya, Gate No. 9, Palace Grounds, Bengaluru |
| Organisers | Department of Tourism & Karnataka Tourism Society (KTS) |
| Chief Guest | Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar |
| Dignitaries Present | Tourism Minister K.J. George, Department Secretary Ram Prasath Manohar |
| Total Categories | 5 core verticals (35 total awards) |
| Core Ethos | “One State, Many Worlds” |
Chief Minister’s Vision for State Tourism
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar inaugurated the ceremony and presented trophies to the award recipients. In his address, he announced plans to construct ‘Karnataka Mantapa’, modeled after Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam. This iconic venue will host major global conventions and showcase regional heritage. He stressed that local tourist guides and drivers serve as frontline ambassadors of state hospitality.
Tourism Minister K.J. George reinforced the government’s commitment during the gathering. He emphasized quality service, cultural preservation, and strict safety standards across all destinations. Department Secretary Ram Prasath Manohar highlighted setting operational benchmarks across all 31 districts.
The Five Core Vertical Breakdown
Organisers structured 35 individual awards across five comprehensive categories:
| Vertical | Number of Awards | Key Focus Areas |
| 1. Accommodation & Hospitality | 8 | Star hotels, heritage properties, boutique stays, and wellness resorts. |
| 2. Tour Operators & Travel Agents | 7 | Inbound operators, adventure specialists, luxury transport, and MICE. |
| 3. Education, Publications & Individuals | 7 | Tourist guides, naturalists, startups, educators, and travel writers. |
| 4. Events, Venues & Infrastructure | 5 | Heritage monuments, museum practices, wedding venues, and event spaces. |
| 5. Sustainability & Rural Tourism | 8 | Homestays, eco-lodges, rural projects, green tech, and civic management. |
Process and Criteria for Selection
- Step 1: Public Nominations Opened via Official Online Portal
- Step 2: Initial Verification of Compliance and Registrations
- Step 3: Multi-Parameter Scoring Matrix by Screening Panel
- Step 4: Audit of Safety, Operational Standards, and Feedback
- Step 5: Official Trophy Presentation at World Tourism Day Event
Criteria
- Merit-Based Screening: An independent panel scored each submission against clear operational standards. Evaluators looked closely at environmental impact, guest safety, and community benefits.
- Grassroots Inclusion: The structure gave equal weight to rural homestays, small guides, and large hotel chains. This approach created a level playing field across all participating districts.
Harnessing AI for Smart, Sustainable Tourism
Aligning with World Tourism Day digital themes, the event highlighted Karnataka’s roadmap for AI-powered travel. Tourism Minister K.J. George stressed that artificial intelligence must empower local guides, homestays, and small entrepreneurs. The Department of Tourism outlined plans to integrate AI tools for custom itineraries and multilingual tourist assistance. Category awards for startups and green tech further reinforce Karnataka’s focus on intelligent, tech-driven destination management.
Distinguished Audience and Industry Leaders
The venue hosted a gathering of over hundreds of prominent travel industry stakeholders. Hotel owners, eco-stay founders, tour operators, and government officers filled the auditorium. Delegates from all 31 districts connected with policy makers and regional media representatives. This diverse audience represented the backbone of Karnataka’s growing tourism economy.
Spectacular Cultural Showcases of Regional Heritage
The evening featured rich traditional performances that captivated attendees throughout the venue. Renowned local artists performed traditional folk dances and musical renditions celebrating the state’s cultural identity. Dancers in traditional costumes demonstrated energetic folk dance routines and classical sequences. These live performances highlighted the rich artistic traditions that make Karnataka an immersive travel destination
Shaping the Future of Regional Tourism
K. Syama Raju, President of KTS, praised the wide response from local operators. The ceremony provided a credible platform for unsung travel heroes and entrepreneurs. Local guides and tech innovators shared the stage with established brands.
This inaugural ceremony sets a high benchmark for regional tourism growth across South India. Future editions will continue driving sustainable practices, digital adoption, and visitor satisfaction.