Karnataka Tourism Concludes Extensive UK Outreach Across Three Key Cities

Roadshows in Manchester and Birmingham, alongside WTM London 2026, strengthened Karnataka’s engagement with the UK travel trade.

BENGALURU, KARNATAKA, INDIA, November 7, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Karnataka Tourism has concluded a series of tourism promotion engagements across the United Kingdom, comprising dedicated roadshows in Manchester and Birmingham and participation at World Travel Market (WTM) London 2026. The initiative brought the State's tourism offerings to the attention of UK-based travel trade professionals and international industry stakeholders, creating opportunities for business networking, destination promotion and stronger industry partnerships.

The UK outreach was led by Shri. Srinivas M, Chairman, KSTDC, Govt. of Karnataka, Dr. Ram Prasath Manohar, IAS, Secretary, Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka; Shri Shivaprasad P.R., IAS, Managing Director, Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. and Commissioner, Karnataka Tourism Department; Shri Sivaram Babu M., IFS, Managing Director, Jungle Lodges & Resorts Ltd.; and Shri Janardhan H.P., Joint Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka, accompanied by key tourism stakeholders from the State, representing Skyway International Travels Pvt. Ltd.; Purple Palms, a member of Radisson Individuals Premier; Kanasu Wellness; Mysore International Travels Pvt. Ltd.; Hidden Gems Tours; Cintacor Island Resort, Karwar; Travel India Co.; and Hotel Ministers Kourt.

The UK outreach commenced with the Karnataka Tourism Roadshow in Manchester on November 2, 2026, at The Edwardian Manchester, a Radisson Collection Hotel. The event brought together more than 50 travel agents and tour operators, providing a platform for direct engagement with the regional travel trade. Destination presentations and business interactions highlighted Karnataka's tourism portfolio, with particular emphasis on Coastal Karnataka, the Malnad region and the State's coffee experiences in Chikkamagaluru and Kodagu. The showcase also presented opportunities across heritage, wildlife, wellness, luxury and business tourism, encouraging travel trade partners to explore Karnataka's inclusion in India itineraries.

The Manchester roadshow was attended by Consul General of India, Ms. Vishakha Yaduvanshi, who extended support to Karnataka Tourism's outreach in the UK. Senior officials from the Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka, and its associated tourism organizations interacted with participating travel trade representatives, discussing destination opportunities and potential business collaborations.

Following the Manchester engagement, Karnataka Tourism participated in WTM London 2026, held from November 3 to 5 at ExCeL London, at Stall No. N10-528. The pavilion served as a platform to showcase Karnataka's varied tourism experiences to international tour operators, travel companies, destination management organizations and other industry stakeholders. The participation provided opportunities for B2B interactions, networking and discussions on strengthening Karnataka's visibility in international markets.

A key highlight of the exhibition was the inauguration of the Karnataka Tourism pavilion by Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon'ble Union Minister of Tourism and Culture, Government of India, and Smt. Sudha Murty, Hon'ble Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, and Founder of Infosys Foundation. Their presence marked an important occasion for Karnataka's participation at the international travel trade exhibition.

The State's showcase at WTM London highlighted its rich cultural and architectural heritage, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, wildlife destinations, natural landscapes, coastal experiences, wellness offerings and opportunities for experiential travel. The pavilion also provided a platform for Karnataka's tourism representatives and stakeholders to engage with international partners, present destination-specific offerings and explore avenues for future collaboration.

The UK program concluded with the Karnataka Tourism Roadshow in Birmingham on November 6, 2026, at the Radisson Blu Hotel. The event witnessed participation from over 25 travel agents, tour operators and media representatives. Dr. Venkatachalam Murugan, Consul General of India in Birmingham, also attended the roadshow, extending support to Karnataka Tourism's engagement with the regional travel trade. Through destination presentations and dedicated B2B interactions, the roadshow introduced participants to Karnataka's tourism offerings, encouraged discussions around itinerary development and helped establish connections with prospective travel partners.

Across the three engagements, Karnataka Tourism presented the State as a destination offering a wide range of experiences, from the heritage landscapes of Hampi and Mysuru to the wildlife reserves of Bandipur and Nagarahole, the coffee-growing regions of Coorg and Chikkamagaluru, and the beaches and natural attractions of Coastal Karnataka. The State's responsible tourism initiatives, wellness experiences and Bengaluru's potential as a business and MICE destination also formed part of its wider tourism proposition.

Through its participation at WTM London and roadshows in Manchester and Birmingham, Karnataka Tourism aimed to strengthen its relationships with the UK travel trade, encourage the inclusion of the State in India travel itineraries and build greater awareness of its tourism offerings. The engagements also provided an opportunity to understand market requirements, exchange industry insights and identify new avenues for collaboration with international travel partners.

ZM
Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka
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