Karnataka is set to support Jharkhand in strengthening its eco-tourism sector by sharing its experience and expertise in sustainable tourism development, project management and operation of tourism assets.
The proposed collaboration follows a meeting between Karnataka Energy and Tourism Minister K.J. George and Jharkhand Tourism Minister Sudivya Kumar, during which the two sides discussed opportunities for knowledge exchange and cooperation in eco-tourism.
As part of the proposed partnership, Karnataka will share its experience in developing and managing eco-tourism projects, including models that integrate tourism with environmental conservation, local employment and sustainable economic development.
The discussions also focused on the role of Jungle Lodges & Resorts (JLR), Karnataka’s state-run eco-tourism enterprise, as a potential knowledge partner for Jharkhand. The organisation’s expertise in planning, developing and managing nature-based tourism facilities could be leveraged to support tourism projects in the eastern state.
The Jharkhand delegation also studied Karnataka’s approach to managing forest and tourism assets, including aspects such as manpower planning, procurement, service standards and coordination between tourism and forest departments.
The two States are expected to formalise their cooperation through an agreement and develop a roadmap for knowledge sharing and technical support.
For Jharkhand, the proposed partnership comes as the State looks to unlock its significant potential in eco-tourism, wildlife and nature-based travel while improving infrastructure and visitor experiences.
Karnataka, meanwhile, sees the collaboration as an opportunity to share its experience in balancing tourism development with environmental conservation and community participation.