Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) is a government agency established in 1971 to promote tourism in the state of Karnataka. The corporation’s primary function is to develop and maintain tourism infrastructure, promote tourism-related activities, and provide various facilities to tourists visiting Karnataka.
Functions of KSTDC:
1. Development of Tourist Infrastructure:
KSTDC plays a crucial role in developing and maintaining tourist infrastructure in the state. It identifies potential tourist destinations, develops them into attractive tourist spots, and maintains them regularly. The corporation also provides accommodation facilities like hotels, resorts, and guest houses for tourists visiting these destinations.
2. Promotion of Tourism:
One of KSTDC’s primary functions is to promote tourism in Karnataka both domestically and internationally. It organizes various events like fairs, festivals, exhibitions, and roadshows to showcase the state’s unique cultural heritage, natural beauty, and history. KSTDC also participates in various national and international tourism fairs to promote Karnataka as a tourist destination.
3. Providing Information to Tourists:
KSTDC provides all necessary information about tourist destinations in Karnataka through its website, brochures, and other promotional materials. The corporation also has tourist information centers at major railway stations, airports, bus stands across the state where visitors can obtain information about places to visit, modes of transport available, accommodation facilities available etc.
4. Conducting Tours:
KSTDC conducts various tours for tourists visiting Karnataka that cover popular destinations like Hampi, Mysore Palace, Coorg (Kodagu), Jog Falls etc., along with lesser-known but equally beautiful spots that showcase the state’s rich cultural heritage & natural beauty.
5. Supporting Local Communities:
KSTDC supports local communities by promoting handicrafts, textiles, arts, and other products made by local artisans. It also encourages local cuisine, traditions & customs to tourists to help preserve the state’s unique cultural heritage.
6. Collaborating with Other Organizations:
KSTDC collaborates with other organizations like Karnataka Tourism, Indian Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), Ministry of Tourism, and other state tourism boards to promote tourism in Karnataka.
Conclusion:
Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation plays a significant role in promoting tourism in the state of Karnataka. Its various functions like developing tourist infrastructure, promoting tourism-related activities, providing information to tourists, conducting tours, supporting local communities & collaborating with other organizations contribute significantly to the growth of tourism in Karnataka. So if you plan to visit Karnataka for its rich cultural heritage or natural beauty or both – KSTDC is your go-to agency for all necessary information and services.