- Karnataka promotes tourism investment.
- State simplifies policies, offers incentives.
- The area offers nature, spiritual and wellness tourism.
Karnataka Tourism Minister KJ George inaugurated the IITM on Thursday, pitching the state as one of India's most investment-friendly tourism destinations. He called on private investors to partner with the government in building out the state's tourism sector, according to PTI.
To attract more private investment, the state is offering subsidies, single-window clearances and various incentives. George said the government wants investors to be able to set up and run tourism enterprises without encountering unnecessary procedural delays.
"Whether you plan to establish a resort, develop adventure tourism facilities or launch cruise tourism services, the government will stand with you," he said.
Tourism Secretary V Ram Prasath Manohar, who also spoke at the event, said tourism goes beyond attracting visitors and plays a direct role in employment generation, investment and local economic development.
"Our goal is to position Karnataka as one of India's most preferred tourism destinations by fostering strong partnerships between the government, investors and the tourism industry," he said.
George said Karnataka offers opportunities in nature, wildlife, coastal, spiritual, wellness and adventure tourism. The state is promoting these segments through roadshows, travel marts and investor engagement programs in India and abroad.
The 26th edition of IITM brought together more than 850 tourism stakeholders, tourism organisations from 16 states, and more than 26 international tourism organizations.
Karnataka High Court recently upheld a uniform property tax for all five-star hotels in Bengaluru.
