Karnataka Launches Maiden Tourism Awards 2026 Across All 31 Districts
The Karnataka Department of Tourism, in association with the Karnataka Tourism Society (KTS), has officially launched the state's first-ever dedicated recognition initiative, the 'Karnataka Tourism Awards 2026'. Announced by Tourism and Energy Minister K.J. George in Bengaluru, the platform aims to honour outstanding organizations, entrepreneurs, homestays, startups, and individuals across Karnataka's travel and hospitality ecosystem.
Aligned with the state’s brand philosophy 'One State, Many Worlds', the awards encompass contributions from all 31 districts. A total of 35 awards will be conferred across five key categories: Accommodation and Hospitality; Tour Operators and Travel Agents; Events, Venues and Infrastructure; Education, Publications and Individuals; and Sustainability and Rural Tourism. Registered homestays, resorts, tour operators, travel technology startups, and guides are eligible to submit nominations online until September 17, 2026.
An independent screening committee consisting of industry experts and domain leaders will assess the entries based on service quality, visitor feedback, environmental sustainability, and local community engagement. Tourism Department Secretary Ram Prasath Manohar noted that the initiative seeks to establish quality benchmarks while providing equal opportunities to both major hospitality brands and rural homestays. The award presentation ceremony is set to take place in Bengaluru on September 27 to coincide with World Tourism Day.
