BIAL to collaborate with government to promote Karnataka tourism

The Bangalore International Airport Ltd. (BIAL), operator of the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) is working with the Karnataka Tourism Department to position Karnataka as a strong destination.

Girish Nair, chief operating officer, BIAL said Karnataka is a strong destination, and the airport plays a very important role in promoting it.

“We are working with the tourism department to see how we can collaborate and promote Karnataka as a strong tourism destination. We are also talking to airlines and reaching out to tour operators jointly with the tourism department. We want to conduct joint presentations to airlines to improve international connectivity,” Mr. Nair told The Hindu.

He added that the BIAL, along with the department, would also be jointly representing the State in world travel exhibitions and other events.

“Airports are an integral part of tourism. We’re talking to them (tourism department) in terms of how we can jointly represent the State in world travel exhibitions and so on,” he added.

Mr. Nair said that BIAL has already collaborated with the State government to promote Karnataka’s rich craft, culture and heritage. “We already have the Kala Loka Pavilion, which has been opened at the Domestic Bay of Terminal-2 to promote Karnataka’s craft, culture and heritage,” Mr. Nair said

According to BIAL, the Kala Loka Pavilion is spread across 132 sq. metres and showcases the Geographical Indication- (GI) tagged and heritage products from Karnataka, curated from institutions like the Karnataka State Handicrafts Development Corporation, Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Ltd., Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation, Karnataka Handloom Development Corporation, Dr. Babu Jagajeevan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation, and GI-tagged specialty coffees Coffee Board.

“Visitors can explore an eclectic collection that ranges from Mysore Silk Sarees, Ilkal Sarees, Bidriware, Mysore Rosewood Inlay, Channapatna Toys and Sandalwood artefacts, to fine leather products and an exclusive Coffee Bay serving freshly brewed varieties of Karnataka’s world-renowned GI-tagged coffees,” BIAL said.

Another outlet is expected to open in the international departure area of Terminal-2, covering 140 square metres.

The State government, through the Karnataka State Industrial & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited, holds a 13% stake in BIAL.