Karnataka Tourism to pitch year-round travel at ATM Dubai 2026

Karnataka Tourism will showcase heritage, wildlife, coastal and wellness offerings at Arabian Travel Market Dubai 2026 from Sept. 14-17, aiming to build stronger ties with GCC travel trade. The state delegation will use the event to promote Karnataka as a year-round destination and push for more inclusion in international itineraries.

Why it matters: - Karnataka is trying to win more outbound travel business from the GCC by packaging its UNESCO sites, wildlife, coast, wellness and MICE offerings as one destination mix. - The push comes as the state looks to raise visibility with tour operators, travel agents, destination management companies and corporate travel buyers from the UAE and wider Gulf region. - Greater inclusion in international itineraries could translate into more Karnataka-bound leisure and business travel.

What happened: - Karnataka Tourism will participate in Arabian Travel Market Dubai 2026 from Sept. 14-17 at Dubai World Trade Centre. - The state will exhibit at Stall No. AS7254. - The delegation will be led by Hon’ble Minister for Energy and Tourism, Government of Karnataka, Mr. Kelachandra Joseph George. - Other delegation members include 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. - Senior government officials and tourism stakeholders from Karnataka will also join the delegation.

The details: - Karnataka Tourism will present destinations, heritage, wildlife, coastal attractions, wellness offerings and MICE potential to international travel trade professionals. - The state will use pre-scheduled B2B meetings and networking sessions to connect with GCC travel industry buyers. - The stall will feature curated destination imagery covering Karnataka’s heritage, wildlife, landscapes, culture and travel circuits. - Karnataka’s UNESCO World Heritage cultural properties include the Group of Monuments at Hampi, the Group of Monuments at Pattadakal and the Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas at Belur, Halebidu and Somanathapura. - The heritage circuit also includes Mysuru Palace, Badami Cave Temples, Aihole, Srirangapatna and Chitradurga Fort. - Vijayapura sites listed in the release include Gol Gumbaz, Ibrahim Rauza, Jama Masjid and Bara Kaman. - Bidar attractions listed include Bidar Fort, Rangeen Mahal, Solah Khamba Mosque and the Bahmani tombs at Ashtur. - Karnataka’s wildlife destinations featured for the showcase include Bandipur, Nagarahole and Bhadra. - Nagarahole is identified as a major tiger reserve and wildlife destination. - Bhadra is highlighted for tiger habitat, birdlife and its Western Ghats setting. - The state will also promote eco-tourism, responsible tourism and experiences tied to forests, landscapes and local communities. - Karnataka’s coastal circuit includes Udupi, Mangaluru, Gokarna, Malpe, Maravanthe and Uttara Kannada. - The coastal offering combines beaches, coastal culture, cuisine, water-based activities and scenic landscapes. - Coorg and Chikkamagaluru are part of the wellness and leisure pitch. - Bengaluru is positioned for business travel, conferences, exhibitions and MICE tourism.

Between the lines: - Karnataka is not selling one niche product. The state is bundling heritage, nature, beaches, wellness and business travel to appeal to different traveler segments at once. - The focus on GCC trade suggests the state sees Gulf travelers and travel planners as a practical source of repeat and high-value inbound demand. - The event format points to a trade-led strategy, with relationship building prioritized over a simple consumer marketing campaign.

What's next: - Karnataka Tourism will meet pre-scheduled trade partners at Stall No. AS7254 during the event. - Officials will use those discussions to identify market requirements and explore partnerships. - The state aims to convert ATM Dubai 2026 exposure into stronger visibility across GCC markets and more international travel bookings.