Mysore Palace: A stunning blend of Indo-Saracenic architecture, illuminated in all its grandeur.
Iconic Gol Gumbad: A Majestic Architectural Marvel in Karnataka, India
Stone Chariot of Hampi: An Icon of Timeless Craftsmanship and Architectural Brilliance
Elephant Family at Bandipur National Park in Karnataka
State delegation led by Hon’ble Minister for Energy and Tourism, Government of Karnataka, Mr. Kelachandra Joseph George, to engage with the GCC travel trade
BENGALURU, KARNATAKA, INDIA, September 12, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Karnataka Tourism will be present at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Dubai 2026, scheduled from 14–17 September 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre, with a targeted initiative to highlight Karnataka as an all-seasons destination for GCC markets. The State will be featured at Stall No. AS7254, where its tourism attractions—heritage sites, wildlife, coastal offerings, wellness options, and MICE potential—will be showcased to international travel industry professionals.
The Karnataka Tourism delegation is headed by Hon’ble Minister for Energy and Tourism, Government of Karnataka, Mr. Kelachandra Joseph George, together with Mr. Srinivas M, Chairman, KSTDC; Dr. Ram Prasath Manohar, IAS, Secretary, Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka; and Mr. Shivaprasad PR, IAS, Commissioner, Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka and Managing Director, KSTDC, along with other high-ranking government officials and key tourism stakeholders from Karnataka. This participation aims to deepen ties with the GCC travel sector, market Karnataka’s tourism products, and identify avenues for greater inclusion of the State in global travel schedules.
Heritage, Architecture and History
Karnataka’s heritage portfolio spans centuries of history and a remarkable variety of architectural traditions. The State boasts three UNESCO World Heritage cultural sites—the Group of Monuments at Hampi, Group of Monuments at Pattadakal, and the Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas at Belur, Halebidu and Somanathapura. Altogether, these locations reflect the architectural, artistic, and cultural legacy of some of the region’s most influential historical eras.
Beyond its UNESCO-listed sites, Karnataka’s heritage circuit includes the Mysuru Palace, Badami Cave Temples, Aihole, Srirangapatna and Chitradurga Fort, as well as the historic monuments of Vijayapura and Bidar. Gol Gumbaz, Ibrahim Rauza, Jama Masjid and Bara Kaman in Vijayapura, along with Bidar Fort, Rangeen Mahal, Solah Khamba Mosque and the Bahmani tombs at Ashtur, deepen the State’s unique architectural character. These destinations give international travelers a chance to explore Karnataka’s past through its palaces, temples, forts, mosques, mausoleums, and other historic structures.
Wildlife, Nature and Responsible Tourism
Karnataka’s wildlife experiences are another key part of the showcase, with destinations like Bandipur, Nagarahole, and Bhadra offering wildlife safaris, nature-based travel, and birdwatching. Nagarahole stands as a major tiger reserve and wildlife destination, while Bhadra is known for its tiger habitat, birdlife, and Western Ghats scenery.
The State will also feature its responsible and nature-based tourism offerings, including wildlife tourism, eco-tourism, and experiences that connect visitors with Karnataka’s forests, landscapes, and local communities. The Western Ghats, stretching across parts of Karnataka, further enhance the State’s nature and biodiversity appeal.
Coastal, Wellness and MICE Experiences
Beyond heritage and wildlife, Karnataka provides a diverse coastal tourism circuit along the Arabian Sea, featuring destinations like Udupi, Mangaluru, Gokarna, Malpe, Maravanthe and Uttara Kannada, combining beaches, coastal culture, cuisine, water activities, and scenic views.
The State will also promote its wellness and leisure experiences, such as the tranquil hill and coffee-growing areas of Coorg and Chikkamagaluru, as well as Bengaluru’s strong positioning for business travel, conferences, exhibitions, and MICE tourism.
B2B Engagement with the GCC Travel Trade
The Karnataka Tourism stall will feature a visually curated display of key destinations and tourism experiences, using destination imagery to give visitors a clear picture of the State’s heritage, wildlife, landscapes, culture, and travel circuits.
The participation will involve pre-scheduled B2B meetings and networking sessions at Stall No. AS7254, bringing together Karnataka Tourism officials and participating stakeholders with tour operators, travel agents, destination management companies, corporate travel representatives, and other tourism professionals from the UAE and the wider GCC region. These meetings will allow the team to present Karnataka’s destinations and tourism products, understand market needs, and explore potential collaborations.
Through its involvement at ATM Dubai 2026, Karnataka Tourism seeks to boost the State’s profile across GCC markets and forge new trade relationships that can lead to increased travel to Karnataka. By showcasing its UNESCO World Heritage sites, Islamic and Deccan heritage, wildlife reserves, coastal spots, wellness experiences, and MICE offerings together, Karnataka will position itself as a destination that can accommodate a wide range of traveler interests and itineraries.
Travel trade professionals attending ATM Dubai 2026 are invited to visit Karnataka Tourism at Stall No. AS7254 to learn about the State’s destinations and explore opportunities for collaboration.
ZM
Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka
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