Karnataka Tourism Launches UK Roadshows and WTM London 2026
Karnataka Tourism completed a promotional tour of the United Kingdom, including roadshows in Manchester and Birmingham and a presence at World Travel Market London 2026. The activities ran from 2 to 6 November and targeted British travel professionals to boost the state’s visibility in the UK market.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Karnataka Tourism added UK roadshows and a WTM London exhibition to its marketing strategy
- Timing
- The events took place between 2 and 6 November 2026
- Who is affected
- UK travel agents, tour operators and destination specialists
The details
Campaign Overview
Karnataka Tourism organised a multi‑city promotional programme across the United Kingdom to showcase the state’s cultural heritage, wildlife, coastal areas and luxury travel options. Senior officials from the Department of Tourism, the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation and Jungle Lodges & Resorts participated alongside private hospitality and travel businesses.
- Goal: expand Karnataka’s presence in the British travel market
- Target audience: UK travel agents, tour operators and destination managers
- Key themes: heritage sites, wildlife parks, coffee plantations, wellness and business tourism
Manchester Roadshow
The first event was held on 2 November at The Edwardian Manchester, a Radisson Collection Hotel. More than 50 regional travel agents and tour operators attended. Presentations highlighted the state’s coastal belt, the green Malnad region and the coffee‑growing districts of Chikkamagaluru and Kodagu, as well as wildlife and luxury accommodation options.
- Direct meetings allowed participants to discuss future India itineraries
- Emphasis on integrating heritage, nature and luxury experiences
WTM London Participation
From 3 to 5 November Karnataka Tourism occupied stall N10‑528 at ExCeL London during World Travel Market 2026. The pavilion was opened by India’s Union Minister of Tourism and Culture and a Rajya Sabha MP linked to the Infosys Foundation. International buyers met Karnataka representatives to explore partnership opportunities.
- Showcased heritage destinations such as Hampi and Mysuru
- Promoted wildlife areas like Bandipur and Nagarahole
- Highlighted coffee regions, coastal spots and Bengaluru’s MICE potential
Birmingham Roadshow
The final engagement took place on 6 November at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Birmingham, drawing over 25 travel agents, tour operators and media representatives. India’s Consul General in Birmingham attended, reinforcing diplomatic support for the campaign. The event concluded the UK promotional series.
- Focused on itinerary planning and commercial cooperation
- Reinforced Karnataka’s positioning as a diverse Indian destination
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Existing UK‑based travel operators can now include Karnataka in upcoming India itineraries
- No immediate changes to visa or entry requirements for travellers
Cost and documents
- The promotional campaign does not alter any travel fees or required documentation for visitors
- Travel agents may need to request updated product sheets from Karnataka Tourism
What you need to do
- UK travel professionals should contact Karnataka Tourism for detailed product information
- Monitor future communications for potential partnership offers
Who this affects
-
UK travel agents
They attended the Manchester and Birmingham roadshows to learn about Karnataka’s tourism products
What to do Can approach Karnataka Tourism for partnership proposals and product details
-
UK tour operators
They were invited to the roadshows and WTM London to consider Karnataka in holiday packages
What to do May incorporate Karnataka destinations into upcoming India itineraries
-
International buyers at WTM London
They visited Karnataka’s exhibition booth to explore new Indian destinations
What to do Can follow up with Karnataka representatives for collaboration opportunities
Frequently asked questions
When did Karnataka Tourism hold its UK roadshows?
Karnataka Tourism organised roadshows in Manchester on 2 November and in Birmingham on 6 November 2026 as part of its UK promotional campaign.
What was the purpose of Karnataka’s participation in WTM London 2026?
The participation aimed to showcase Karnataka’s heritage, wildlife, coastal and luxury tourism products to international buyers and encourage inclusion in UK travel packages.
Which Karnataka attractions were highlighted at the Manchester event?
The Manchester roadshow highlighted the state’s coastal belt, the green Malnad landscapes, coffee‑growing districts of Chikkamagaluru and Kodagu, wildlife tourism, wellness retreats and luxury accommodation.
Who opened Karnataka’s pavilion at World Travel Market?
India’s Union Minister of Tourism and Culture, together with a Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament linked to the Infosys Foundation, inaugurated the pavilion.
Will the Karnataka promotional campaign affect UK travellers’ visa requirements?
No, the campaign focuses on marketing and partnership building and does not change any visa or entry requirements for UK travellers to India.
