State showcases culture, wellness, and hospitality to attract travellers from UAE, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain
Karnataka Tourism is aggressively positioning itself as a premium destination for Gulf travellers by tailoring experiences that blend heritage, wellness, adventure, and hospitality. With a strategic campaign focused on countries such as the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain, the state aims to tap into the high-potential outbound travel market from the Middle East to India, reported travelandtourworld.com.
Immersive campaigns, roadshows, and halal-friendly tourism drive Karnataka’s Gulf outreach.
As part of its outreach, Karnataka Tourism showcased a vibrant pavilion at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 in Dubai from April 28 to May 1, offering a sensory gateway to South India. Inaugurated by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and India’s Consul General in Dubai, Satish Kumar Sivan, the pavilion drew thousands of trade visitors curious about Karnataka’s unique destinations.
The state also hosted a targeted Roadshow at the Novotel World Trade Centre in Dubai on April 30. The event, led by Dr. Rajendra KV, IAS, Commissioner of Tourism, facilitated high-impact B2B meetings with tour operators, travel influencers, and DMCs from the UAE. Presentations focused on curated circuits blending luxury with nature and wellness with heritage.
Catering to GCC travellers’ preferences with exclusivity, comfort, and cultural authenticity
Understanding the tastes of Gulf travellers—who seek family-friendly, halal-compliant, and immersive travel—Karnataka is positioning experiences like Ayurvedic wellness retreats, royal palaces, forest safaris, and culinary tours in places like Coorg, Mysuru, and Chikkamagaluru.
Direct flights to Bengaluru and Mangaluru further ease travel, while roadshows and campaigns strengthen engagement with Middle Eastern markets year-round, not just seasonally.
Key tourism stakeholders like Skyway International Travels, Serai Group, Purple Palms Resorts, and Shathayu Ayurveda added industry heft to the state’s pitch, enhancing credibility and partnership potential.
Sustainable tourism, policy support, and global ambition form Karnataka’s new travel identity
Karnataka’s progressive tourism policy—encouraging public-private partnerships, simplified investment procedures, and focused marketing—struck a chord at ATM 2025. The state is now actively inviting Gulf-based hospitality players, eco-tourism innovators, and wellness brands to explore investment and collaboration opportunities.
While honouring its heritage sites like Hampi, Belur-Halebid, and Mysuru Palace, Karnataka is also promoting its wild reserves, coffee trails, and untouched beaches to redefine itself beyond clichés. The approach appeals strongly to GCC millennials and Gen Z travellers seeking meaningful and Instagrammable experiences.
