Karnataka tourism sector development

Karnataka is pursuing a multi-faceted expansion of its tourism sector through infrastructure investment, policy reform, and interstate cooperation.

Initial efforts focused on technical collaboration and large-scale hospitality development. The state entered an agreement with Jharkhand to share expertise in eco-tourism and sustainable models. Concurrently, the government cleared 78 hotel projects under its 2024-29 Tourism Policy, involving investments exceeding Rs 1,080 crore to increase room capacity and local employment.

Subsequent developments saw the introduction of the inaugural Karnataka Tourism Awards to recognize excellence in the hospitality and travel sectors. The government also approved the Coastal Malnad Karnataka Tourism Policy-2026, which seeks to grant ‘industry and infrastructure status’ to tourism projects. To promote cultural heritage, plans were announced for the construction of a ‘Karnataka Mandapam’ facility, while administrative efforts continue to improve the ease of doing business for new hotel permissions.