Karnataka Tourism wraps UK roadshow push in Manchester, London and Birmingham

Karnataka Tourism closed a three-city UK outreach campaign with roadshows in Manchester and Birmingham and a showcase at WTM London 2026. The push was aimed at widening the state’s reach with UK travel trade partners and driving more Karnataka itineraries.

Why it matters: - Karnataka is trying to win more share of the UK outbound travel market by positioning the state as a multi-experience destination for leisure, wellness, wildlife, heritage and business travel. - The outreach was designed to deepen ties with travel agents, tour operators and international buyers who can shape India itineraries.

What happened: - Karnataka Tourism completed roadshows in Manchester and Birmingham and took part in World Travel Market London 2026. - The UK program ran from November 2 to November 6, 2026. - The roadshows were held in Manchester at The Edwardian Manchester, a Radisson Collection Hotel, and in Birmingham at the Radisson Blu Hotel. - WTM London 2026 took place at ExCeL London from November 3 to 5, 2026, at Stall No. N10-528.

The details: - More than 50 travel agents and tour operators attended the Manchester roadshow. - More than 25 travel agents, tour operators and media representatives attended the Birmingham roadshow. - The Karnataka delegation was led by Shri. Srinivas M, Chairman, KSTDC, Government of Karnataka; Dr. Ram Prasath Manohar, IAS, Secretary, Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka; Shri Shivaprasad P.R., IAS, Managing Director, Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. and Commissioner, Karnataka Tourism Department; Shri Sivaram Babu M., IFS, Managing Director, Jungle Lodges & Resorts Ltd.; and Shri Janardhan H.P., Joint Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka. - Tourism stakeholders from the state also joined the outreach, including Skyway International Travels Pvt. Ltd., Purple Palms, a member of Radisson Individuals Premier, Kanasu Wellness, Mysore International Travels Pvt. Ltd., Hidden Gems Tours, Cintacor Island Resort, Karwar, Travel India Co. and Hotel Ministers Kourt. - The Manchester event focused on Coastal Karnataka, the Malnad region, and coffee experiences in Chikkamagaluru and Kodagu. - The presentations also highlighted heritage, wildlife, wellness, luxury and business tourism. - The Manchester roadshow was attended by Consul General of India Ms. Vishakha Yaduvanshi. - Karnataka’s pavilion at WTM London showcased cultural and architectural heritage, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, wildlife destinations, natural landscapes, coastal experiences, wellness offerings and experiential travel. - Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Tourism and Culture, and Smt. Sudha Murty, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, and founder of Infosys Foundation, inaugurated the Karnataka Tourism pavilion. - Dr. Venkatachalam Murugan, Consul General of India in Birmingham, attended the Birmingham roadshow.

Between the lines: - Karnataka is broadening its pitch beyond iconic sights to a wider set of travel segments, including responsible tourism and MICE opportunities in Bengaluru. - The state’s UK strategy appears aimed at turning visibility into commercial partnerships through B2B meetings and itinerary planning. - By using both standalone roadshows and a major trade fair, Karnataka Tourism covered both direct selling and broader brand-building.

What's next: - Karnataka Tourism expects the outreach to support future collaboration with UK travel partners and increase the state’s inclusion in India travel itineraries. - The state will use market feedback from the UK trade to refine destination messaging and identify new partnership opportunities.

The bottom line: - Karnataka Tourism used three UK touchpoints to sell the state as a versatile, year-round destination and to strengthen its pipeline of international travel trade relationships.