Explore Kalyan Karnataka Workshop & B2B Meet Concludes on a High Note in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, 26 March 2026: The Explore Kalyan Karnataka (North Karnataka) Knowledge Sharing Workshop & B2B Meeting, organised by the Karnataka Tourism Society (KTS) in association with the Ministry of Tourism and the Department of Tourism, concluded successfully at Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse.

The workshop was inaugurated by Dr. Trilok Chandra, Secretary to the Government, Tourism Department; Sandhya Haridas, Director, India Tourism – Bengaluru; Syama Raju, President, KTS; along with other key office bearers and industry stakeholders.

The initiative aimed to spotlight the untapped tourism potential of the Kalyan Karnataka region by enhancing awareness, enabling trade partnerships, and positioning it as a compelling tourism destination. Covering districts such as Bidar, Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Raichur, Koppal, and Ballari, the region offers a diverse mix of heritage, spirituality, crafts, and nature that remains relatively unexplored.

Key highlights of the workshop included:

• Destination Showcases: Featuring iconic attractions such as Bidar Fort, Bahmani Tombs, Kalaburagi Fort, Jama Masjid, and Vijayanagara-era heritage sites.
• Spiritual & Cultural Sites: Including Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib, Narasimha Jhira Cave Temple, and Sharan Basaveshwara Temple.
• Craft Demonstrations: Live showcase of Bidriware, globally renowned for its intricate silver inlay craftsmanship.
• Nature & Wildlife: Insights into eco-tourism potential across Ballari and Koppal, along with blackbuck habitats in Bidar.

The event brought together over 150 buyers and 20+ sellers through destination presentations, B2B meetings, and networking sessions, fostering meaningful engagement within the tourism ecosystem.

Prominent tourism and hospitality stakeholders in attendance included leading hotels, resorts, tour operators, and government bodies across Karnataka, reflecting strong industry participation and interest in the region.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Trilok Chandra emphasized that Kalyan Karnataka’s rich historical and cultural legacy deserves greater prominence in India’s tourism landscape. He highlighted key initiatives under the Karnataka Tourism Policy 2024–29, focusing on destination development, heritage conservation, and community participation to drive balanced regional growth.

Syama Raju noted that the workshop successfully created a platform for collaboration and is expected to translate into stronger trade engagement, with tour operators increasingly incorporating Kalyan Karnataka into their itineraries. He reiterated KTS’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive tourism development.

D. Venkatesan, Regional Director – India Tourism (South), added that such initiatives play a crucial role in promoting lesser-known destinations, aligning with the Dekho Apna Desh campaign, and generating livelihood opportunities for local communities while strengthening India’s diverse tourism offerings.

The Karnataka Tourism Society expressed its gratitude to all participants and reaffirmed its dedication to promoting sustainable, inclusive, and regionally balanced tourism growth across Karnataka.