Karnataka Tourism Board faces backlash for promoting Kerala’s Wayanad tour

Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) faces criticism for promoting a Wayanad tour package instead of highlighting Karnataka’s own scenic destinations, triggering a political row.

A social media post by the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) promoting a two-night, three-day tour to Wayanad in Kerala has triggered a major controversy. The post described Wayanad as a “misty paradise waiting for you,” inviting citizens to explore the destination, but many questioned why Karnataka’s tourism board was promoting a Kerala location.

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Seeking thrill or tranquillity? Find both in Wayanad!
Trek scenic trails, chase waterfalls & meet the wild with KSTDC.
Your perfect nature escape awaits. https://t.co/7H16iVsvqi#WayanadDiaries#TravelWithKSTDC#NatureEscapepic.twitter.com/hJIOc9TZbm

— K.S.T.D.C. (@kstdc) October 28, 2025

Critics argued that the state has several scenic alternatives like Madikeri, Chikkamagaluru, and Dakshina Kannada, which deserve promotion instead. Social media users and opposition leaders accused the Congress-led government of neglecting Karnataka’s rich tourism potential.

Senior BJP leader C.T. Ravi alleged that the government was trying to please Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who represents Wayanad in Parliament. “Karnataka’s tourism board seems to be promoting Kerala’s tourism instead of its own,” he said on X (formerly Twitter).

ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರವಾಸೋದ್ಯಮ ಅಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿಪಡಿಸಬೇಕಾದ ಕೆಎಸ್‌ಟಿಡಿಸಿ ವಯನಾಡಿಗೆ ಕನ್ನಡಿಗರನ್ನು ಕರೆಯುತ್ತಿದೆ!!!
ವಯನಾಡು ಕರ್ನಾಟಕಕ್ಕೆ ಸೇರಿತೇ? ಅಥವಾ ಕೆಎಸ್‌ಟಿಡಿಸಿ ಕೇರಳದ್ದಾಯಿತೇ?

ತಮ್ಮ ಪಕ್ಷದ ಅಧಿನಾಯಕಿ ಪ್ರಿಯಾಂಕಾ ಗಾಂಧಿಯವರನ್ನು ಮೆಚ್ಚಿಸಲು ಕನ್ನಡ ನಾಡಿನ ಗೌರವವನ್ನು ಅಡವಿಡಲು ಹೊರಟಿದೆ ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್ ಸರ್ಕಾರ. https://t.co/cXbV5a2nOm

— Ravi C T 🇮🇳 ರವಿ ಸಿ ಟಿ (@CTRavi_BJP) October 29, 2025

The controversy follows earlier criticism when the Karnataka government provided compensation to a person killed by an elephant in Kerala. BJP leaders accused the state of repeatedly prioritizing Kerala over its own interests.

Responding to the row, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy defended the tour, saying KSTDC organizes similar trips to Varanasi, Manasarovar, and other out-of-state destinations on a contractual basis. “Wayanad is our neighbouring district, and there’s nothing unusual about such tours. The opposition is spreading false information,” he said.

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Meanwhile, Tourism Minister H.K. Patil said he has sought a report from the KSTDC Managing Director regarding the Wayanad post. “I have asked for details on why the post was made. Once I get the report, I’ll respond,” he stated.

The KSTDC operates under the state’s Tourism Department and routinely conducts package tours both within and outside Karnataka. However, the Wayanad post has reignited a larger debate on whether the state should first prioritize promoting its own destinations.