World Tourism Day: Karnataka to present tourism awards on September 27
The Karnataka Tourism Department has announced the inaugural Karnataka Tourism Awards to recognize excellence across the state's tourism ecosystem. Awards will be presented on World Tourism Day, September 27, 2026, covering categories ranging from hospitality and tour operations to sustainability and rural tourism.
Why it matters
This initiative aims to standardize service quality and promote sustainable tourism practices across all 31 districts of Karnataka.
In a first, the State Tourism Department will present the Karnataka Tourism Awards 2026 to recognise outstanding organisations, entrepreneurs and individuals across Karnataka’s tourism ecosystem, said Energy and Tourism Minister K.J. George.
“The awards are being instituted by the Department of Tourism in association with the Karnataka Tourism Society (KTS) to recognise excellence in service quality, innovation, sustainability and community participation,” the Minister said.
Aligned with Karnataka Tourism’s ‘One State, Many Worlds’ brand philosophy, the awards will recognise achievements from all 31 districts of Karnataka. Eligible hotels, resorts, tour operators, registered homestays, tourism service providers, start-ups, technology companies and individuals can submit nominations until September 17, 2026. The awards will be presented in Bengaluru on September 27, which is World Tourism Day.
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