Karnataka has set an ambitious target of attracting **₹7,800 crore in tourism investments and generating 1.5 lakh jobs** under its Tourism Policy 2024–29, as the state pushes to rank among India’s top three domestic tourism destinations by 2030.The roadmap was reinforced at CONNECT 2026 Bengaluru, hosted by the Karnataka Tourism Society (KTS) in association with the Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka.
Addressing stakeholders, Tourism Secretary K.V. Thrilok Chandra, IAS said the policy is anchored on nine strategic pillars, covering infrastructure development, skill training, digital initiatives and sustainable tourism. The state has identified **25 tourism themes and 44 priority projects**, supported by subsidies and incentives to strengthen private participation and PPP models.Tourism Minister **H.K. Patil** emphasised collaborative growth, calling for stronger industry participation to unlock Karnataka’s heritage, eco and experiential tourism potential.
The event brought together stakeholders from six key districts around Bengaluru and also recognised contributors to the success of KITE 2025, Karnataka’s flagship travel expo that enhanced the state’s international tourism visibility.
Officials reiterated focus areas including eco-tourism, heritage conservation, adventure tourism and hospitality infrastructure, with expanded B2B outreach planned across key Indian source markets.With structured policy backing and investment-driven targets, Karnataka is positioning tourism as a major economic growth engine over the next five years.
