Fuelling India's tourism growth: Going domestic

As the New Year dawns, Karnataka Tourism has had an interesting 2024. The state has evolved into a strong tourism product, especially post-Covid, with multiple hotels, airlines, and trains that had depleted their capacities during the pandemic wishing that they had doubled their existing inventory.

- ROHIT HANGAL

With the economy rebounding, the travel sector has delivered to the Indian tourism industry.

The entire country is in construction mode, be it greenfield airports, upgraded railway networks, or highways... It is a dream come true.

The strength of Karnataka as a tourist destination lies strongly with its heritage and wildlife offerings. Currently, Karnataka has four UNESCO World Heritage sites - Hoysala temples at Belur, Halebid, and Somanathpura; monuments at Hampi; temples of Pattadakal and the Western Ghats. If the temple complex of Lakkundi gets the approval of UNESCO, it could change the fortunes of the entire Gadag district. Investments in the tourism sector will go up, which will also generate employment. The state has 8-10 products that can get the UNESCO World Heritage Site tag over the next five years. Though the bidding process is thorough and tedious, it is worth the effort.