The Karavali Malenadu Tourism Association (KMTA) has lauded nine establishments and enterprises from across the region for securing ten honours at the Karnataka Tourism Awards 2026, recognising their contributions to hospitality, wellness, heritage, travel services and tourism innovation. The awards were presented by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Minister for Energy and Tourism K.J. George at a ceremony held at Anantya Palace Grounds, Bengaluru, on 27 September 2026, marking World Tourism Day.
Instituted by the Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka, in association with the Karnataka Tourism Society, the Karnataka Tourism Awards recognise achievements across hospitality, travel services, visitor experiences, sustainability and other areas of the tourism sector, with a focus on quality, service, cultural preservation and innovation.
The award recipients celebrated by KMTA include:
Dandeli Chalet, Uttara Kannada: Best Homestay Establishment
SwaSwara, Gokarna, Uttara Kannada: Best Wellness Retreat and Best Eco-Friendly Resort
Cintacor Island Resort, Karwar, Uttara Kannada: Best Boutique Hotel
OpenStays Private Limited, whose founders hail from Uttara Kannada: Best Tourism Startup
Freedom Fighters Memorial, Chikkamagaluru: Outstanding Museum Practice Award
Trivik Hotels and Resorts Private Limited, Chikkamagaluru: Best Resort
Nirmala Travels, Mangaluru, Dakshina Kannada: Best Domestic Tour Operator
Peninsula Del Mar, Yermal, Udupi: Best Four Star Hotel
Coorg Wilderness Resort & Spa, Kodagu: Best Resort
Congratulating the winners, Roshan, President, Karavali Malenadu Tourism Association, said, “The honours reflected the dedication of tourism businesses, employees and local communities across the region. From coastal hospitality and wellness to hill resorts, homestays, heritage attractions, travel services and tourism innovation, these achievements reflect the talent and commitment of our region. They give established businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs alike every reason to aim higher.”
KMTA noted that the awards highlight the region’s diverse tourism offering, bringing together distinctive landscapes, local hospitality, cultural heritage and entrepreneurial initiatives. The association connects tourism stakeholders across Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada, Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, Hassan and Kodagu, with a focus on destination promotion, industry collaboration, responsible tourism and professional development.