About the Awards
Elevating Karnataka’s tourism benchmarks.
Karnataka Tourism Awards 2026 recognises the people, enterprises and institutions contributing to a stronger, more responsible and more memorable tourism economy.
The Vision
A platform for a tourism ecosystem as diverse as Karnataka.
From the stone architecture of Hampi and Pattadakal to the Western Ghats, coastal Karnataka and Bengaluru’s innovation economy, the state offers experiences of remarkable range and character.
The awards recognise quality, service, safety, guest satisfaction, cultural preservation, sustainability and innovation across accommodation, travel trade, visitor experiences, venues and supporting institutions.
Organisation and Support
Led by industry, supported by government.
Karnataka Tourism Society (KTS)
As the collective voice of Karnataka’s tourism value chain, KTS brings together hoteliers, tour operators, homestay hosts, travel agents, and transport providers under one unified platform. The Society acts as a vital bridge between private trade operators and state policy-makers, actively participating in high-level committees to represent business interests. KTS drives hands-on industry growth by hosting multi-city B2B roadshows and major events like the Karnataka International Travel Expo (KITE). By promoting unexplored regional circuits and encouraging sustainable business practices, KTS ensures that Karnataka’s trade community thrives while delivering world-class hospitality.
Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka
As the state’s apex tourism body, the Department of Tourism is dedicated to positioning Karnataka as a vibrant global destination under its iconic tagline, “One State, Many Worlds.” From preserving world heritage sites in Hampi to developing coastal hubs along its 320-km shoreline, the Department drives progressive policies, sustainable infrastructure, and regional economic growth. Beyond policy, it leads key initiatives like certified guide training, safety support through Tourist Mitra, and government-recognized homestay registrations to ensure every traveler enjoys a safe, authentic, and memorable journey.
Organised by Karnataka Tourism Society
Explore the award categories.
Supported by the Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka.