By Following the resounding success of its inaugural edition, the Karnataka International Travel Expo (KITE) is set to make a grand return with its second edition from 26 – 28 February 2025 in Bengaluru, India. Organized by the Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka in association with the Karnataka Tourism Society (KTS), KITE 2025 aims to position Karnataka as a premier global tourism hub.
At a prestigious curtain-raiser event held at Vidhana Soudha, Sri H.K. Patil, Hon’ble Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Legislation, and Tourism, Government of Karnataka, unveiled the KITE 2025 logo and brochures. The event witnessed the presence of key dignitaries, 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; Mr. K. Syama Raju, President, Karnataka Tourism Society, along with other officials and industry leaders.
KITE 2025 will serve as a dynamic B2B networking platform, fostering new collaborations and business opportunities while showcasing Karnataka’s diverse tourism potential. The event is expected to attract over 400 hosted buyers from India and abroad and 150+ stakeholders from Karnataka’s tourism and hospitality industries.
The event will feature B2B networking and business opportunities, allowing tourism businesses, travel agents, hoteliers, and industry professionals to engage in impactful discussions and forge strategic partnerships. Dedicated pavilions will highlight Karnataka’s world-renowned heritage, eco-tourism destinations, adventure sports, wellness retreats, and more. Evening programs will showcase Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage through art, music, dance, and cuisine.
Sri H.K. Patil, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Government of Karnataka, emphasized the state’s commitment to strengthening its position on the global tourism map, stating, “Karnataka offers a vibrant tapestry of experiences catering to all kinds of travelers. KITE 2025 is a testament to our dedication to developing Karnataka as a world-class tourism destination while fostering economic growth through tourism partnerships.”
Smt. Salma Fahim, IAS, Secretary, Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka, highlighted the event’s significance, stating, “KITE 2025 is more than an expo—it is a strategic initiative to position Karnataka as a must-visit global tourism destination. Through this platform, we aim to facilitate meaningful dialogue, drive investment, and promote sustainable tourism growth.”
KITE 2025 enjoys strong support from national and state-level trade and hospitality associations, 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, South India Hotels and Restaurants Association (SIHRA), Enterprising Travel Agents Association (ETAA), and Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI), among others.
The event will enhance global visibility by highlighting Karnataka’s diverse tourism attractions and reaching a global audience through hosted buyers and international trade delegations. It will foster business growth by facilitating B2B networking, connecting local tourism businesses with global partners, and driving business opportunities and investment. Increased tourism will translate into higher revenues for Karnataka’s local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, transport providers, and tour operators. The event will also promote lesser-known destinations, supporting the development of sustainable tourism models. Strengthening Karnataka’s brand identity, KITE 2025 will reinforce its reputation as a top-tier business and leisure destination while encouraging infrastructure development and investment.
The expo will feature over 10,000 B2B appointments facilitated through online scheduling, 150+ exhibitors showcasing Karnataka’s travel and hospitality industry, and pre and post-event familiarization tours to iconic Karnataka destinations such as Hampi, Coorg, Kabini, Mysore, Chikmagalur, Badami, and Pattadakal.
Dr. K.V. Rajendra, IAS, Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka, extended a warm invitation, stating, “KITE 2025 will be a remarkable opportunity for industry professionals to explore, invest, and collaborate in Karnataka’s thriving tourism sector. We look forward to welcoming participants from around the world to this premier event.”
Mr. K. Syama Raju, President, Karnataka Tourism Society, emphasized the event’s impact, stating, “The Karnataka International Travel Expo is a game-changer for our state’s tourism industry, creating immense business opportunities and promoting Karnataka’s diverse tourism assets on a global stage.”
Karnataka Tourism is dedicated to promoting the state’s myriad attractions to domestic and international travelers. The state is renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, wildlife sanctuaries, pristine beaches, adventure destinations, and vibrant cultural heritage. Showcased through 25 unique tourism boutiques, Karnataka’s tourism offerings include Mysuru silk, Dharwad Kasuthi embroidery, rosewood inlay, sandalwood artifacts, Ganjifa paintings, Bidriware, terracotta crafts, and local delicacies such as honey and wine.
