The Karnataka government is set to organise a major tourism workshop at Hampi on July 9 and 10, bringing together ministers, senior officials, tourism experts, industry stakeholders and district representatives to identify and develop destinations that can be transformed into globally recognised tourism hubs. The two day workshop, organised by the Department of Tourism, aims to create a long term roadmap for tourism development across Karnataka.
Discussions will focus on improving infrastructure, visitor experience, heritage conservation, sustainability and investment opportunities while ensuring that tourism growth benefits local communities.
Tourism Minister H.K. Patil will chair the workshop, with participation from officials representing various government departments including Public Works, Forest, Archaeology, Urban Development and Rural Development. Experts from the hospitality industry, tour operators and tourism organisations are also expected to contribute their recommendations.
A key objective of the workshop is to identify priority destinations in different regions of Karnataka that have the potential to meet international tourism standards. While globally known destinations such as Hampi, Mysuru and Coorg already attract visitors, the government also plans to promote lesser known heritage, eco tourism, wildlife, coastal and cultural destinations to create a more diverse tourism network across the state.
Officials will discuss strategies to improve road connectivity, sanitation, accommodation, digital infrastructure, interpretation centres, safety measures and destination branding. The workshop will also explore ways to encourage private investment and strengthen collaboration between government agencies and tourism stakeholders.
Holding the workshop in Hampi carries special significance as the UNESCO World Heritage Site remains one of Karnataka’s most iconic tourist destinations. The historic city has long been viewed as a model for heritage tourism, and the government hopes lessons learned from Hampi can be applied to other destinations across the state.
The workshop is expected to conclude with a comprehensive action plan outlining priority projects, destination specific development strategies and policy recommendations aimed at positioning Karnataka among India’s leading tourism destinations while meeting global standards for quality, sustainability and visitor experience.