The Karnataka Tourism Department will soon set up the Karnataka Center for Cultural Diplomacy (KCCD) – a first-of-its-kind initiative to use Karnataka culture as a bridge between the state and the world. The center will promote art, heritage and the creative economy globally, improve diplomatic relations with foreign missions and attract international tourists through cultural exchange.
The KCCD will function as a dedicated cell under the tourism department and enhance the visibility of Karnataka through cultural diplomacy. Officials told The Hindu that it was decided to set up such a center in the city as Bengaluru already hosts one of the largest number of foreign consulates in India and the KCCD will further build lasting relationships through “quarterly diplomatic roundtables” and the “Annual Karnataka Cultural Diplomacy Forum”. These platforms will help co-create cultural events, tourism campaigns and international cooperation.
Local artists on global platforms
“Apart from tourism, KCCD aims to boost the creative economy of the state by connecting local artists, performers and cultural entrepreneurs with global platforms. The center will also help Karnataka’s traditional crafts, folk art and cuisine reach global markets through curated events and digital promotion,” said KV Trilok Chandra, secretary, tourism department, adding that diaspora engagement is another key area. KCCD will work with the natives of overseas Karnataka to promote cultural exchange and promote tourism abroad.
The initiative will also facilitate memorandums of understanding (MoU) with foreign governments and support embassies in celebrating their national days and festivals with artists and performers from Karnataka, the senior official said, adding that the center will serve as a strategic and operational arm between the state and other countries and international organisations.
Further, KCCD will prepare annual cultural diplomacy strategies in line with the Karnataka Tourism Policy and identify priority countries and regions for engagement based on tourism potential and diplomatic presence. It will coordinate with departments like Kannada and Culture, Commerce and Industry and Urban Development.
Live database
A live database of foreign consulates, honorary consuls and international organizations operating in Karnataka will be maintained for smoother cooperation. To ensure continued international visibility, the center will develop a dedicated website and social media presence, supported by multilingual digital campaigns and global media partnerships. Monitoring and evaluation systems, officials said, will track the impact of these efforts through key performance indicators, including growth in tourist arrivals, global media coverage and diplomatic engagement results.
Mr. Chandra added that the primary objective of this is to introduce the diverse identity of Karnataka to the international audience – from the architectural wonders of Hampi and Belur to the folk traditions of North Karnataka and the cosmopolitan pulse of Bengaluru. To this end, KCCD will curate international cultural festivals, tourism roadshows, culinary diplomacy events and arts and crafts shows. It will also organize familiarization (FAM) trips to give them first-hand experience of the Karnataka destination, cuisine and craft, he added.
Published – 01 Nov 2025 20:13 IST
