November 8, 2017 TnH Global 0

Karnataka showcases its wild side at World Travel Market 2017

Karnataka Tourism had participated in the World Travel Market (WTM) that is being held at London between 6-8 November 2017. True to its tag line, Karnataka is truly One State, Many Worlds as it is a land unparalleled in diversity; be it Heritage, Culture, Nature, Beaches or Wildlife. Karnataka is primarily known for its Heritage destinations and its Wildlife/ National Parks. Apart from that, it is also famous for its magical hill stations, spectacular waterfalls, pilgrimage centers and a 320km long coastline dotted with unspoiled beaches. Thus, making it an ideal place for a traveller with diverse interests.

What makes this year special is that Karnataka Tourism has declared 2017 as ‘Year of the Wild’. Karnataka Tourism is committed to preserve the precious natural heritage of the state and this is one of the first steps taken to fulfill this objective. In many ways, Karnataka is a trendsetter of the green movement in the Indian hospitality field. Long before ‘going green’ became fashionable, the Government of Karnataka embraced the natural world. In 1980, Government of Karnataka established the Kabini River Lodge through Jungle Lodges & Resorts (JLR). Today, JLR is India’s largest network of jungle and eco-lodges with 17 Jungle Resorts and 5 Jungle Camps.

For WTM, Karnataka Tourism has set up a beautiful pavilion showcasing the pristine jungles and the many adventure activity options available in the state. It showcases a mock up of a hut of Jungle Lodges & Resorts. Also displayed are few of the famous inhabitants of Karnataka jungles like the elephant, tiger and deers. Along with them are few adventure activities like white water rafting and cycling.

The Karnataka Tourism delegation is led by Sri. Alam Khan Chairman-KSTDC and accompanied by Gaurav Gupta, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Government and Venkatesh, IFS – Executive Director, JLR.

Speaking on the occasion, Gaurav Gupta, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Government said “Karnataka Tourism has been participating in WTM since 2002-03 and provides a unique opportunity for the whole global travel trade industry to meet and conduct business. We at Karnataka Tourism are doing our duty in conserving our environment in every way possible. Our objective in declaring 2017 as the Year of the Wild is not limited to conserving wildlife alone. With our unique geographical features, Karnataka provides adventure lovers with every kind of terrain, probably except snow-clad mountains. All these will help you discover the wild side of Karnataka and yours as well. And we welcome you all to experience the many wonders that await you here”

The eye catching pavilion is giving great visibility to the state and generating lot of enquires. All these are expected to bring in more tourists to Karnataka from the GCC region and give a much-needed fillip to tourist footfalls in the state.