Sri.

Siraj Sheikh, Chairman, KSTDC

KSTDC, Karnataka’s largest travel services organization has a history of hospitality that stretches back to
1971. Established as a State Government corporation it has been fulfilling its mandate of showcasing the
wonders of Karnataka to the world. Constantly upgrading its offering in consultation with experts in art,
history, tourism, etc., and utilizing advances in technology, KSTDC ensures that tourists take home
memories for a lifetime.

KSTDC’s conducted tours are an ideal way to savour the art, culture and natural beauty of Karnataka.
Traveling in ultra modern Aerotech Coaches you can experience the renowned cities, magnificent
monuments and landscape that make the state unique complimenting. The high standard of service and
hospitality is the Mayura Group of Hotels, KSTDC’s own chain of comfortable hotels and restaurants.

KSTDC offices, staffed by trained hospitality professionals, are available all over the state for your
assistance.

The KSTDC has 32 hotels and five transport units. Two years ago, the KSTDC handed over the reins of 18
hotels to MRPL to operate.

Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) is all set to follow in the foot steps of the
Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) with an aggressive future plan to boost tourism.

The plan includes privatilisation and diversification of its properties and resorts, strategic allowances
with IT companies to promote tourism in Karnataka on the net and special packages woo business
travellers in the IT sector.
Unlike KTDC, the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation is strapped for funds with minimal
allotment of grants by the government. The state government has allotted Rs.10 crore to the Tourism
department of which Rs. 15 lakh has been granted to KSTDC.

Speaking with the Financial Express KSTDC managing director Sanjay Das Gupta said KSTDC is like any
other business entity. The government expects us to be self-sufficient, so investment is internally
generated through revenues grossed by the company. Hence, we have realigned our sights to target the
elite sector instead of the middle-income group.

KSTDC has engaged the services of A F Ferguson, a corporate consultancy firm, to conduct a survey on
feasible tourism projects and marketing strategies which would be adopted by KSTDC IN THE COMING
YEAR.

"Our corporation recognised the revenue generating potential of adventure tourism. We will organise an
adventure carnival on the lines of Sahotasav the coming year to promote this among the domestic
tourists. KSTDC is now fully equipped to conduct adventure-based package tours in tandem with local
travel agencies", KSTDC marketing manager RS Rameshan said.

KSTDC has signed a memorandum of understanding with Travelanza.com which allows the latter to
operate Internet kiosks in the airport, Kiosk users can undertake virtual tours of heritage destinations in
Karnataka.
KSTDC has 42 properties across the state. Plans to privatise these resorts through partnerships with
leading hotel chains like the Taj Group and local tour operators are in the pipeline, although Mr.
Rameshan was not willing to discuss the targeted amount to be raised through this route.

The corporation has also decoded to diversify its operations. It has plans to open health centres through
tie-ups with private players in its existing resorts. KSTDC would also expand its network of KSTDC outlets
across Karnataka.

KSTDC and the Department of Tourism have plans to set up a corps of tourism police on the lines of the
existing Goan model, Tourists can expect aid from the special force.

The two entities also have plans to publish individual directories of tourism resorts and hotels, tour
operators, travel agencies and various other plays operating in the tourism arena.
Objectives

To construct, take over and manage existing hotels and market hotels, Beach Resorts,Travellers’
Lodges/Restaurants;

To provide transport, entertainment, shopping and conventional services;

To produce, distribute, tourist publicity material;

To render consultancy-cum-managerial services in India and abroad;

To carry on the business as Full-Fledged Money Changers (FFMC), restricted money changers etc; and

To provide innovating, dependable and value for money solutions to the needs of tourism development
and engineering industry including providing consultancy and project implementation.

Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation

KSTDC whose second name has been Hospitality is the largest Travels Corporation of the State is a
Professionally run State Government Organisation. Established in 1971, KSTDC has ever been redefining
the Hospitality. It has greatly been possible because of the healthy suggestions by the patrons of the arts
and culture, who visit the State from different parts of the world.This has mainly been possible with the
team of Professionals who is been trained time and again to keep updated with the technology to offer
better service. The attitude of never say no has made this a success.

KSTDC holds the mirror for the Karnataka’s art and culture. KSTDC with its Conducted Tours across the
state taking you to the Renowned Cities

gives an insight to the blend of culture and growth. Probably the most refreshing example of the Largest
Democracy also brings the comfort of

traveling with ultra- modern Aerotech Coaches. Mayura Group of Hotels the premium Lodging and
Restaurants setup and maintained by KSTDC are

known for their high standard of service and excellent hospitality.KSTDC offices have been setup all over
Karnataka to assist the tourists.
Bangalore, July 27 The Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) has tied up with Jet
Airways for marketing its luxury train The Golden Chariot, as part of the State’s aggressive tourism
promotion and marketing campaign.

Golden Jet Escapes offers special rates for select sectors on the domestic and international routes. The
offer is valid till March 31, 2010. The offer is available on six domestic and international sectors.

Jet Airways’ services from/to Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Kochi and Goa would feature
this package on the domestic segment. On the international segment, it would be available with services
from/to New York, Toronto, Brussels, and London – via New Delhi and Mumbai.

Sectors covered

The economy package for Mumbai-Bangalore-Mumbai — which is inclusive of airfare and the Golden
Chariot tariff — comes to about Rs 1.2 lakh, while the Delhi-Bangalore-Delhi packages cost Rs 1.22 lakh a
person on a twin-sharing basis.

The international economy package works out to about $3,400 on the New York-Bangalore-New York
sector for a person on a twin-sharing basis, while it is about $7,600 for the business package on the
same route.

“This tie-up would not only market the Golden Chariot, but also the tourist destinations in the State,”
said Mr Vinay Luthra, Managing Director, KSTDC.

The luxury train targets a 40 per cent occupancy this year, he said, adding that it was about 35 per cent
last year.

Money-Saver deal
“People opting for the Golden Jet Packages could possibly save 20-30 per cent on the international
packages, while the savings could be 10-15 per cent on the domestic packages,” said an official
associated with the project.

According to tourism department officials, the KSTDC and Jungle Lodges and Resorts were also looking
at a tie-up with Jet Airways for joint marketing activities.