Emphasis on global tourism through the Cultural Diplomacy Cell (KCCD): Minister H.K. Patil Successful global conference held in Bengaluru

The state government has set a new milestone in the tourism sector through the prestigious Karnataka Cultural Diplomacy Cell (KCCD) conference, said Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Legislation and Tourism H.K. Patil.

He was speaking at the inauguration of the prestigious Karnataka Cultural Diplomacy Cell (KCCD) conference organized by the Tourism Department in Bengaluru on Friday.
He asserted that this innovative strategy conference for Karnataka will witness a significant milestone in elevating state tourism as a central pillar of international engagement and economic development.

KCCD has been conceived as a strategic platform to enhance collaboration between Karnataka and diplomatic missions through cultural partnerships, tourism promotion, knowledge exchange and trade facilitation. As part of this initiative, the department has presented a new framework aimed at fostering and encouraging cooperation, cultural diplomacy and engagement in tourism between Karnataka and diplomatic missions around the world, the Minister expressed his delight.
Emphasizing the profound purpose of tourism in building peace, harmony and cultural bridges between nations, Minister H.K. Patil said, "Tourism is a pursuit of happiness, satisfaction and enlightenment. We want visitors to Karnataka to find inner peace in our spiritual centres, joy in our festivals and enlightenment in our histories."
Reiterating Karnataka's heritage as a home of knowledge, dialogue and universal human values, he recalled historical men like Basavanna and Kuvempu, who strengthened Karnataka's long-standing global cultural diplomatic tradition.

Speaking about the diversity of Karnataka's tourism wealth, from Hampi and Aihole to its ancient coastline and spiritual heritage, the Minister reiterated Karnataka's ambitious goals under the Tourism Policy 2024–29, which focuses on global positioning, sustainable development, safety and security, and spreading tourism-led prosperity to every district of the state.
Emphasizing Karnataka’s growing global stature and its vision to transform tourism into a gateway to international relations, Chief Secretary Dr. Shalini Rajneesh said, “The Karnataka government does not see tourism as just an economic activity but as a key element in our global connectivity and emphasis on international relations through economic or cultural influence. This conference marks a crucial step in transforming Karnataka into a globally acclaimed and culturally stunning destination,” she said.
Highlighting Bengaluru's emergence as the world capital of the Global Competence Centre (GCC), the Chief Secretary said that tourism naturally follows business and investment and the state is strategically converting business visits into attractive tourism opportunities. He continued by explaining the state's priority on MICE tourism, world-class connectivity, tourist safety and experiential tourism, including protected heritage, cultural and plantation-based travel offerings.
Speaking about the Karnataka Cultural Diplomacy Cell (KCCD), its framework and its future agenda, Tourism Department Secretary Dr. Trilokchandra, KV, gave a detailed demonstration on the role and responsibilities of the Tourism Department and diplomatic missions of various countries.
Shri Vatsa Krishna, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, was present at the conference and wished the Department of Tourism a happy new year. Diplomatic heads of various countries, senior government leaders, global tourism stakeholders participated in the event. The conference marks a significant milestone in Karnataka’s strategy to elevate tourism as a central pillar of its international engagement and economic development.