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Karnataka Tourism to host second edition of ‘Karnataka International Travel Expo’ February 26 – 28

Karnataka International Travel Expo 2025

Following the resounding success of its inaugural edition, the Karnataka International Travel Expo (KITE) is set to return for its second edition from February 26 to 28, 2025. This premier travel and tourism event will once again spotlight Karnataka as a vibrant and diverse global tourism hub.

Sri H.K. Patil, Hon’ble Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Legislation, Tourism, Government of Karnataka, officially unveiled the KITE 2025 logo and brochures at a curtain-raiser event held at Vidhana Soudha. The event was attended by prominent government officials, including Dr. Shalini Rajneesh, IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka; Smt. Salma Fahim, IAS, Secretary, Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka; Dr. K.V. Rajendra, IAS, Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka, and Managing Director, Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation; and K. Syama Raju, President, Karnataka Tourism Society (KTS), along with other dignitaries.

Organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka, in collaboration with the Karnataka Tourism Society, KITE 2025 aims to bring together stakeholders from across the tourism and hospitality industries. The event is designed to foster new partnerships, promote business opportunities, and showcase Karnataka’s rich heritage, culture, adventure, wellness, and nature-based tourism offerings.

One of the key highlights of KITE 2025 is its extensive B2B networking opportunities. With over 400 hosted buyers from India and abroad and more than 150 stakeholders from Karnataka, the expo ensures impactful interactions among trade and industry professionals. Dedicated pavilions will highlight Karnataka’s iconic destinations, emerging circuits, and sustainable tourism initiatives. Additionally, attendees can look forward to an immersive cultural extravaganza, featuring performances that celebrate Karnataka’s art, music, and cuisine.

Speaking about the significance of the event, Sri H.K. Patil emphasized Karnataka’s diverse tourism potential. He stated, “Karnataka is home to a rich tapestry of experiences that cater to travellers of all kinds. The second edition of KITE reflects our commitment to positioning Karnataka as a top-tier destination on the global tourism map while driving economic growth through tourism partnerships. This expo will not only strengthen B2B collaborations but also reinforce Karnataka’s position on the global tourism map.”

Several major national and state-level trade and hospitality associations are extending their support to the event, including the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI), Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI), Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), Karnataka Tourism Forum, Enterprising Travel Agents Association (ETAA), and the Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI), among others.

KITE 2025 is expected to significantly enhance Karnataka’s global visibility by showcasing its unique tourism offerings. Hosted buyers from international markets will act as ambassadors, promoting Karnataka in their respective regions and boosting its presence as a global tourism destination. The event will also facilitate business opportunities by connecting local tourism enterprises with global buyers, tour operators, and travel agencies, thereby driving tourism revenue and employment in the state.

Another key focus of the expo is the promotion of lesser-known destinations within Karnataka. By highlighting offbeat locations and new tourism circuits, the event aims to diversify tourism offerings and ensure balanced economic growth while preserving cultural and natural heritage. KITE 2025 will also strengthen Karnataka’s brand as a premier travel hub by attracting investment in hospitality, infrastructure, and transportation.

Participation in the event is open to tourism boards, travel agencies, tour operators, hotel chains, and other tourism-related businesses seeking to explore and invest in Karnataka’s growing tourism sector. Among the key features of the expo are an online appointment scheduling system for over 10,000 B2B meetings, representation of over 20 tourism segments—including adventure and wildlife, business travel, heritage tourism, and pilgrimage—and the participation of 150 exhibitors showcasing Karnataka’s premier destinations and tourism products. Pre- and post-event familiarization tours will also be organized, covering key locations such as Hampi, Coorg, Kabini, Mysore, Chikmagalur, Badami, and Pattadakal.

Salma Fahim, IAS, Secretary, Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka, highlighted the broader significance of the event. She remarked, “The Karnataka International Travel Expo is more than just an event—it is a celebration of Karnataka’s immense tourism potential. By bringing together stakeholders from across the globe, we aim to facilitate meaningful dialogue, foster innovation, and ensure sustainable growth in the tourism sector. We look forward to welcoming partners and participants to this dynamic platform.”

Dr. K.V. Rajendra, IAS, Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka, and Managing Director, Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation, extended a warm invitation to all industry stakeholders. “On behalf of the State of Karnataka, I extend a warm invitation to all to join us at the Karnataka International Travel Expo 2025. As organizers, we are deeply committed to showcasing the unique tourism products and services of Karnataka to a global audience. This premier event is a vital platform for fostering meaningful relationships between the global travel trade and our state’s tourism stakeholders. Together, we aim to position Karnataka as a leading destination on the global tourism map, while celebrating our rich heritage, natural beauty, and cultural vibrancy.”

Syama Raju, President of Karnataka Tourism Society, echoed these sentiments, stating, “The Karnataka International Travel Expo has proven to be a game-changer for the tourism industry in our state. By providing a dedicated platform for stakeholders to network, collaborate, and showcase their offerings to a global audience, the event has significantly enhanced business opportunities across sectors. From promoting lesser-known destinations to driving footfalls at established landmarks, KITE 2025 continues to create a ripple effect, boosting the livelihoods of countless individuals and businesses in Karnataka’s tourism ecosystem.”