The first-ever Karnataka Tourism Awards honoured 42 winners from across the state, recognising achievements in hospitality, tourism, visitor experiences, responsible tourism and innovation. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Tourism Minister K.J. George presented the awards at a ceremony at Bangalore Palace Grounds on 27 September, coinciding with World Tourism Day.
Instituted by the Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka, in association with the Karnataka Tourism Society (KTS), the awards created a dedicated platform to recognise the people, businesses and institutions contributing to Karnataka’s tourism ecosystem. The ceremony was attended by M. Srinivas, Chairman, Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation; K. Syama Raju, President, Karnataka Tourism Society; Dr. Ram Prasath Manohar; officials from the Tourism Department; and representatives from the state’s travel trade and hospitality sectors.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar highlighted the contribution of Karnataka’s private tourism and hospitality sector and outlined the government’s plans to strengthen tourism infrastructure. He said the state was committed to developing world-class facilities, including a proposed ‘Karnataka Mandapa’ modelled on Bharat Mandapam, while using the awards to further recognise and support the tourism ecosystem.
Tourism Minister K.J. George emphasised the importance of technology in creating a more inclusive, sustainable and future-ready tourism sector. He highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence and digital technologies, including smart booking engines, AI-driven heritage interpretation and digital marketing tools, in enhancing visitor experiences.
According to KTS President K. Syama Raju, the awards fulfilled a long-standing request from stakeholders for a dedicated platform recognising excellence in the state’s tourism sector. More than 175 entries were evaluated across 35 categories for the inaugural edition, with plans to institutionalise the awards annually.
The 42 awards covered five broad categories: Accommodation & Hospitality; Tour Operators & Travel Agents; Events, Venues & Infrastructure; Sustainability & Rural Tourism; and Education, Publications & Individuals. Special recognition was also given to the best units of Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) and Jungle Lodges & Resorts (JLR).
Among the winners were Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway, Taj West End, Evolve Back Resorts, SwaSwara, Wonderla Holidays, Nirmala Travels, Essel Leisure Services, Dandeli Chalet, Payana Car Museum, Visit Mysuru, OpenStays and Karnatak University, Dharwad.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was conferred posthumously on late H. T. Ratnakar. The awards also recognised guides, naturalists, writers, video creators, tourism professionals and institutions contributing to the state’s visitor economy.