The Explore Kalyan Karnataka (North Karnataka) Knowledge Sharing Workshop & B2B Meeting, organised by the Karnataka Tourism Society (KTS) in association with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and the Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka, concluded today at Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse by IHG with resounding success.

The event was inaugurated by Dr. Trilok Chandra, IAS, Secretary to the Government, Tourism Department; Ms Sandhya Haridas, Director, India Tourism – Bengaluru; Mr. Syama Raju, President, KTS; Mr. S. Mahalingiaha, Vice President, KTS; Mr. Jagadeesh, Secretary, KTS; along with KTS Office Bearers and stakeholders.

The initiative was part of a broader effort to promote Karnataka’s lesser-known destinations by creating awareness, fostering collaboration, and enhancing the visibility of the Kalyan Karnataka region as a unique tourism hub. The region, comprising Bidar, Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Raichur, Koppal, and Ballari, offers a rich blend of heritage, spirituality, crafts, and natural landscapes that remain relatively untapped in mainstream tourism circuits.

The program included destination and seller presentations, B2B meetings, and networking sessions, connecting over 150 buyers and more than 20 sellers across the state.

The workshop witnessed enthusiastic participation from leading tourism and hospitality stakeholders including: Clarks Inn – Hampi, Enrise by Sayaji – Kalburgi, Evolve Back – Hampi, Flymego Tours – Bidar, GI-Trips – Bidar, Hampi Feathers – Koppal, Hamsa Tours & Travels – Hospet, Heritage Resort Hampi – Vijayanagar, Hotel Om Sai – Basavakalyana, Hyatt Place – Hampi, India Tourism Bengaluru, Inspira by SRS Resort & Convention – Bidar, Jungle Lodges & Resorts, Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation, Kishkinda Heritage Resort – Sanapur, Matri Heritage – Hampi, Pai’s Relax Inn – Hospet, Royal Orchid Kireeti – Hampi, Sidra World Tours & Travels – Kalaburagi, The Fortune by Swathi Group, Vijayashree Resort – Hampi, Vintage Retreat Resort – Bidar, and Welcom Heritage Shivavilas Palace – Hampi.

Dr Trilok Chandra, IAS, Secretary to the Government, Tourism Department, emphasised, “The Kalyan Karnataka region, with its rich heritage and layered history, deserves greater visibility in India’s tourism landscape. Recognising this, the Government has initiated several programs under the Karnataka Tourism Policy 2024–29, focusing on destination development, heritage conservation, and community participation. These efforts will enhance awareness of the region, strengthen stakeholder collaboration, and create meaningful livelihood opportunities for local communities — outcomes that will ensure balanced regional growth.”

Mr. Syama Raju, President – Karnataka Tourism Society, added, “Kalyan Karnataka is a region of immense potential. By bringing stakeholders together on one platform, we are not only promoting destinations but also empowering local communities through tourism. The enthusiastic participation of buyers and stakeholders reinforces our vision to position the region as a vibrant tourism hub. We expect this engagement to translate into Stronger trade interest, with tour operators including Kalyan Karnataka in their itineraries, which will likely boost brand positioning and expand tourism circuits across Karnataka. This initiative reflects our commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth. We foresee balanced regional development as more circuits diversify, leading to increased livelihood opportunities and a strengthened Karnataka tourism narrative.

Mr. D. Venkatesan, Regional Director – India Tourism, South, remarked, “The Ministry of Tourism is proud to support initiatives that highlight lesser-known circuits like Kalyan, Karnataka. This region, with its forts, temples, crafts, and living traditions, represents the diversity of India’s tourism offering. By engaging the travel trade through workshops and B2B meetings, we are ensuring that destinations such as Bidar, Kalaburagi, and Ballari find their rightful place in itineraries and promotions. Such initiatives align with the Dekho Apna Desh campaign, encourage domestic travellers to explore hidden gems, and generate livelihood opportunities for artisans and local communities. They also strengthen stakeholder collaboration and contribute to the long-term goal of balanced regional development, ensuring that Kalyan Karnataka emerges as a vibrant hub of heritage, culture, and sustainable tourism.”

Karnataka Tourism Society thanked participants and reaffirmed its ongoing mission to promote inclusive,d sustainable tourism across Karnataka.