By Karnataka Tourism has inaugurated the second edition of the Karnataka International Travel Expo (KITE) 2025 at the Bengaluru International Exhibition Center (BIEC). The event has brought together over 120 sellers and exhibitors from Karnataka, including travel agents, tour operators, resorts, homestays, and various service providers, alongside 200 hosted buyers from 30 countries.
With approximately 15,000 business meetings conducted during the expo, stakeholders from Karnataka’s tourism sector have engaged in fruitful discussions, fostering new collaborations and business opportunities. The event has reinforced Karnataka’s ambition to emerge as one of the world’s most sought-after travel destinations while introducing new attractions and tourism circuits.
The prestigious event was inaugurated by Sri H.K. Patil, Hon’ble Minister for Law & Parliamentary Affairs, Legislation, and Tourism, Government of Karnataka. He was joined by Smt. Salma K. Fahim, IAS, Secretary to Government, Tourism, Minority Welfare, and Haj and Waqf Department, along with Rajendra K.V, IAS, Director of the Department of Tourism and Managing Director of KSTDC. Mr. Shamraju, President of Karnataka Tourism Society (KTS), along with key office bearers and officials, were also present at the occasion.
Organized by the Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka, in collaboration with the Karnataka Tourism Society, KITE 2025 has emerged as a crucial platform for fostering partnerships within the tourism and hospitality industries. The expo aims to strengthen Karnataka’s presence in global travel markets by highlighting its rich cultural heritage, adventure tourism, wellness retreats, and nature-based experiences.
A major attraction of KITE 2025 is the extensive B2B networking opportunities, with over 400 hosted buyers from across India and abroad engaging with more than 150 stakeholders from Karnataka. The expo also features dedicated pavilions showcasing Karnataka’s iconic destinations, emerging travel circuits, and sustainable tourism initiatives. To celebrate the state’s cultural vibrancy, evening programs featuring traditional art, music, and cuisine have been arranged, providing an immersive experience for visitors.
The event has garnered strong support from leading 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), and South India Hotels and Restaurants Association (SIHRA), among many others.
With its successful second edition, KITE 2025 has set a promising path for Karnataka’s tourism sector, ensuring increased global visibility and positioning the state as a premier travel destination.
