Karnataka unveils new tourism policy, aims to be in top three in domestic tourist visits

Karnataka unveils new tourism policy.

Karnataka unveiled its new tourism policy on October 28 with an aim to be among the top three markets in terms of domestic tourist visits.

The state aims to attract 48 crore tourists in India to be among the to three states in India's tourism market.

The objectives set to be achieved by the end of the 5th year of this policy also include Karnataka to be among the top five states in the country in terms of foreign tourist visits with 20 lakh foreign tourist arrivals.

The state also estimates creation of direct employment for at least 47,000 people and creation of indirect employment opportunities for one lakh people through its tourism initiatives.

It also expects to attract investment of Rs 7,800 crore for tourism projects.

The state plans to monetize 680 acres of land owned by the tourism department across the state for tourism projects.

Karnataka looks to develop at least 30 major tourist destinations, one for each district under the One District One Destination scheme.

The state also plans to promote itself in at least 50 international tourism fairs.

Karnataka's Tourism Policy 2024-29 is planned to develop the tourism sector as a top priority. The policy has identified nine key focus areas and 44 different types of tourism projects under the Eligible Tourism Scheme with 25 thematic areas for development of tourism experiences.

Special priority has been given to Kalyan Karnataka region which will provide job opportunities to 30,000 people in the Karnataka region.

Key elements of tourism policy objectives include promoting Karnataka as an attractive tourist destination on the global and Indian map by providing world-class experiences through a variety of high quality tourism products and services to make Karnataka tourism a source of pride for the people of Karnataka.

Tourism will be developed as an important vehicle for socio-economic development inclusion program by empowering women and youth by promoting social equality and encouraging rural development and entrepreneurship.

To ensure that the masses and local communities benefit from tourism activities, the adoption of capacity-building practices for sustainable tourism should be provided for all.

A priority sector of the state, tourism has an important role to play in Karnataka becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2032, the state said in its policy presentation.

Karnataka has seen immense growth in domestic tourist visits, growing from 3.67 crore in 2006 to 28.35 crore in 2023.

The state attracts nearly 10 percent of overall domestic tourist visits in India, placing it fourth among Indian states.

Karnataka also saw over 4.01 lakh foreign tourist arrivals in 2024, signalling a strong recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

As per the Economic Survey of Karnataka 2022-23, the state's tourism sector contributes one out of every 10 jobs in Karnataka.