Karnataka Tourism targets UK travel trade with Manchester, London and Birmingham push

Karnataka Tourism will take a three-city UK sales and promotion tour in November 2026, using roadshows in Manchester and Birmingham plus WTM London 2026 to court travel trade partners. The state wants more Karnataka itineraries in the UK market and plans to showcase heritage, wildlife, wellness and Bengaluru’s MICE potential.

Why it matters: - Karnataka Tourism is trying to win more space in the UK outbound travel market. - The state wants UK agents and operators to add Karnataka to India itineraries. - The outreach is designed to build business ties, gather market feedback and widen awareness of Karnataka beyond its best-known attractions.

What happened: - Karnataka Tourism is conducting a focused UK promotion program in November 2026. - The program includes roadshows in Manchester and Birmingham and participation in WTM London 2026. - The Manchester roadshow is set for 2 November 2026 at The Edwardian Manchester, a Radisson Collection Hotel. - WTM London runs from 3 to 5 November 2026 at ExCeL London. - Karnataka Tourism will hold its pavilion at Stall No. N10-528. - The Birmingham roadshow is scheduled for 6 November 2026 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Birmingham.

The details: - The Manchester event will bring together travel agents, tour operators, destination management companies and other tourism industry representatives from Manchester and nearby markets. - The Manchester program will include destination presentations and dedicated B2B meetings. - WTM London will give Karnataka Tourism access to international tour operators, travel companies, destination management organizations, media and other tourism stakeholders. - The delegation will be led by Mr. Kelachandra Joseph George, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Government of Karnataka. - Other delegation members include Mr. Srinivas M, Chairman, Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation; Dr. V. Ram Prasath Manohar, IAS, Secretary to Government, Tourism Department, Government of Karnataka; Mr. Shivaprasad P.R., IAS, Managing Director, KSTDC and Commissioner, Karnataka Tourism; and Mr. Janardhana H.P., Joint Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka. - Karnataka Tourism will also bring key tourism stakeholders from the state. - The showcase will feature UNESCO World Heritage Sites, historic monuments, wildlife reserves, natural landscapes, coastal destinations, wellness retreats and cultural traditions. - Destinations highlighted include Hampi, Mysuru, Badami, Coorg and Chikkamagaluru. - Karnataka Tourism will also promote responsible tourism initiatives and Bengaluru’s role as a business and MICE destination.

Between the lines: - The UK tour is a targeted trade push, not a mass consumer campaign. - Karnataka is positioning itself as a multi-interest destination that can appeal to heritage travelers, nature travelers, wellness visitors and business travelers. - The inclusion of B2B sessions signals that the state is looking for itinerary placement and repeatable commercial partnerships, not just publicity.

What's next: - Karnataka Tourism will open the outreach in Manchester on 2 November 2026. - The state will continue the campaign at WTM London from 3 to 5 November 2026. - The Birmingham roadshow on 6 November 2026 will extend the effort to another major UK travel market. - Karnataka Tourism expects the meetings to lead to stronger ties with UK trade partners, more Karnataka itineraries and new collaboration opportunities.

The bottom line: - Karnataka is using three UK stops to sell the state as a year-round destination with heritage, nature, culture and business travel appeal.