The Karnataka Tourism Department will present the Karnataka Tourism Awards 2026 for the first time to recognise outstanding organisations, entrepreneurs and individuals working in the State’s tourism sector.
Energy and Tourism Minister K.J. George said the awards are being instituted by the Department of Tourism in association with the Karnataka Tourism Society (KTS) to recognise excellence in service, innovation, sustainability and community participation.
The awards, based on Karnataka Tourism’s ‘One State, Many Worlds’ philosophy, will recognise achievements from all 31 districts of the State.
Hotels, resorts, tour operators, registered homestays, tourism service providers, start-ups, technology companies and individuals can submit their nominations until September 17, 2026.
The awards will be presented in Bengaluru on September 27, which is observed as World Tourism Day.
Karnataka Tourism Society president K. Syama Raju said the initiative aims to provide a credible and merit-based platform to recognise good work in the travel and hospitality sector and encourage better service standards.
A total of 35 awards have been instituted under five categories:
- Accommodation and Hospitality
- Tour Operators and Travel Agents
- Events, Venues and Infrastructure
- Education, Publications and Individuals
- Sustainability and Rural Tourism
Tourism Department Secretary Ram Prasath Manohar said the awards are intended not only to recognise good work but also to establish clear benchmarks for quality in the tourism sector.
The categories include opportunities for large hospitality businesses as well as homestays, rural tourism initiatives, guides, local entrepreneurs, start-ups and sustainable tourism projects.
Merit-based evaluation
An independent screening committee comprising industry leaders, domain experts and relevant representatives will evaluate the nominations.
The entries will be assessed based on service quality, visitor experience and feedback, innovation, environmental sustainability and contribution to local communities.
The department said the process is aimed at ensuring transparency and merit-based recognition.
Eligible stakeholders can submit their entries through www.karnatakatourismawards.com.