Karnataka Launches First Tourism Awards, 42 Winners Honoured

BENGALURU — Karnataka’s tourism ministry held its inaugural awards ceremony on 29 September 2026, presenting 42 prizes to individuals and organisations across the state for contributions to the sector. The event, organised by the Department of Tourism, was attended by senior officials, industry leaders and representatives from cultural bodies.

Celebrating a Growing Tourism Landscape

The awards were introduced to acknowledge the rapid expansion of Karnataka’s tourism industry, which has seen a 12.4% rise in domestic arrivals over the past year, according to the ministry’s latest tourism statistics. The ceremony highlighted the state’s diverse attractions, from the heritage sites of Hampi and Mysore to the coastal resorts of Gokarna and the wildlife sanctuaries of Bandipur.

42 Winners Across the State

In total, 42 recipients were honoured, representing a mix of public and private entities. The list included heritage conservation groups, eco‑tourism operators, hospitality chains and community‑based tourism initiatives. One of the standout recipients was the Department of Tourism at Karnatak Arts College, which secured a state award for its educational programmes that integrate tourism studies with local cultural preservation.

Event Highlights

The awards were presented in a series of categories that reflected the sector’s breadth. While the exact number of categories was not disclosed in the press releases, the coverage by TravelWorldOnline and EventFAQs noted that recognitions spanned heritage conservation, sustainable tourism, digital marketing, and community engagement. The ceremony also featured a keynote address by the Minister of Tourism, who underscored the importance of inclusive growth and the role of tourism in preserving Karnataka’s cultural heritage.

Industry Reactions

Industry representatives praised the initiative as a step toward formalising excellence in tourism. A spokesperson for the Karnataka Tourism Association said the awards would encourage best practices and foster collaboration among stakeholders. The Hindu’s report on the Karnatak Arts College win highlighted the institution’s long‑standing partnership with local artisans and its role in promoting regional crafts.

Future Outlook

Officials announced that the awards will become an annual event, with a planned expansion of categories to include digital innovation and wellness tourism. The ministry also hinted at a forthcoming grant programme to support awardees in scaling their projects.