Bengaluru: Karnataka Tourism Minister HK Patil on Friday said the state is taking proactive steps to accommodate international tourists stranded due to the continued conflict in West Asiasimultaneously promoting the rich cultural heritage and strengthening the tourism infrastructure.
Speaking at the three-day Travel and Tourism Fair held here, he said, “Though the conflict has no direct impact on India, it has disrupted the travel plans of foreign tourists, especially from Middle Eastern countries. Many of them are unable to return home due to visa and travel restrictions. Karnataka is taking measures to ensure their stay is comfortable until the situation stabilizes and provide necessary assistance, including management.”
He further said, “Karnataka is fully prepared to host stranded tourists, promote heritage and special tourism, and strengthen local and domestic tourism, creating long-term economic and cultural benefits for the state.”
Patil said the state is also focusing on excavation projects and developing large open-air museums.
“A dedicated museum will be set up at Lakkundi (Gadag district), where around 1,500 artefacts have already been collected and around 3,500 objects have been researched. Recently, a family donated a 600-year-old ornament, originally used to adorn the goddess, which has been valued at Rs 5 acres,” experts added.
The minister emphasized that eco-tourism, adventure tourism, educational tourism and farmer tourism are receiving concentrated attention.
At the exhibitions, Patil emphasized the importance of fairs like TTF.
“These exhibitions bring together items that are not usually displayed. Tourists and tour operators, including international participants like Vietnam, get a complete picture of what Karnataka has to offer in one place. This will help visitors to heritage sites across the state,” he said.
Patil also spoke about Karnataka’s wealth of heritage, noting that the state has over 25,000 monuments, including world heritage sites like Hampi, Belur, Badami, Pattadakal and regions in the Western Ghats.
Other sites on UNESCO’s tentative list include Lakkundi, Deccan, Somanath, Garaj, Bijapur, Srirangapatnam, Mysuru and Halebeedu. “Despite this rich heritage, Karnataka has traditionally been under-marketed in tourism,” he said.
Regarding state support, Patil said that “The budget provides incentives to promote tourism, but additional support is needed to fully implement our policies. Initiatives like TTF will be strengthened next year with targeted assistance, guidance from experienced organizers and experts.”
He further explained Bengaluru’s role as a gateway for tourists. “From here, information on heritage sites, hotels and attractions is consolidated and shared with visitors. This encourages them to explore Karnataka’s destinations like Hampi, Bijapur, Akkodi, Bidar, Srirangapatnam, Mysuru and Halebeedu,” he said.
Patil added that videos, exhibitions and other promotional efforts play a critical role in generating interest in Karnataka’s tourism offerings. “Our heritage, history and visual richness are unmatched, and through exhibitions and open museums, we create curiosities that draw visitors to many places,” he said.
