Karnataka’s tourism sector is reeling from a steep decline in foreign visitors amid safety fears and reputational damage. Official data show that international tourist arrivals to the state’s star attractions have dropped dramatically in 2025. At UNESCO-listed Hampi, for instance, foreign footfall through October plummeted to just 3,818, down from over 20,000 in the same period of 2024.

Other popular destinations like Mysuru and Udupi have seen similar downturns, with Mysuru drawing roughly 77,000 foreign tourists this year (versus 140,000 in 2024) and Udupi about 23,000 (down from nearly 90,000 last year). This sudden collapse in international visitation is being linked squarely to safety concerns and negative publicity rather than any environmental or cultural shortcomings.

More News:

Safety Scares and Global Repercussions

The trigger for Karnataka’s tourism troubles was a high-profile safety incident in March 2025 near Hampi. In the “Koppal incident,” a 27-year-old Israeli traveler and a local homestay owner were gang-raped, while three male tourists accompanying them were assaulted and pushed into a canal – one man tragically died.

This horrific crime, occurring on the fringes of a major tourist hub, sent shockwaves through the international community. Several countries promptly issued or reinforced travel advisories warning about security risks in India.

Notably, the U.S. State Department updated its guidance in mid-2025 to highlight rising incidents of sexual assault at Indian tourist sites and urged women not to travel alone. Such advisories underscored the perception that visiting parts of India, even iconic sites like Hampi, could be unsafe, especially for female travelers.

The fallout was immediate. Tour operators report that prospective foreign visitors now routinely begin their inquiries with “Is Hampi safe?”, reflecting a heightened sense of caution. Following news of the Hampi-area attack, multiple group tours from Europe and East Asia were cancelled , and many independent travelers struck Karnataka off their itineraries.

Compounding the issue are broader behavioral concerns – foreign tourists have complained of persistent staring, harassment, and inadequate support on the ground. These everyday interactions, while not outright violent, contribute to an unwelcoming atmosphere. Tourism officials note that such untoward incidents and misbehaviour have “prompted safety advisories from several countries,” tarnishing the state’s appeal abroad.

Crucially, domestic tourism within Karnataka has remained strong – indicating that the heritage sites and natural beauty are still intact – but overseas visitors have been deterred by the reputation of risk. It’s a vivid reminder that a destination’s reputation for safety can be as important as its attractions in influencing travel decisions.

Government & Industry Mobilize to Restore Trust

Faced with an 80% plunge in foreign tourists at Hampi and declines across other regions, Karnataka’s government and tourism industry are mounting a coordinated campaign to rebuild confidence.

The state’s Tourism Department has acknowledged that multiple factors – chiefly the March 2025 incident – are behind this year’s slump, and it is pushing for a multi-department effort to address them. Key elements of the recovery plan include:

  • Enhanced Safety and Policing: Local authorities are moving to strengthen on-the-ground security at tourist sites. Stakeholders have called for dedicated tourist police units, greater surveillance, and safety-awareness programs to assure visitors of their well-being.

    The Tourism Department is coordinating with police to maintain law and order around key attractions , especially in remote heritage locales. (Notably, officials insist the Hampi area incident was an isolated one, and they’re determined to prevent any repeat.)

  • Infrastructure Upgrades: Long-standing infrastructure issues are also being tackled as part of the image makeover. Travelers often cite poor roads, sanitation, and last-mile transport hassles as deterrents. In response, the government has directed public works departments and local administrations to improve access roads, cleanliness, and facilities at tourist sites.

    Plans to bolster visitor amenities – from reliable transit links to more information centers and signage – are under review. The recent reopening of tiger safaris in nearby reserves and proposals for an airport near Hampi have likewise resurfaced in discussions on boosting accessibility.

  • Heritage Protection & Management: There is a renewed focus on preserving Karnataka’s cultural treasures in a way that balances tourism with conservation. In Parliament, representatives from the state highlighted concerns such as unchecked vegetation over Hampi’s ruins and stalled restoration works.

    Experts warn that “excessive, often unruly, tourism” can degrade heritage sites, and suggest better visitor management – even limiting tourist numbers during peak periods – to protect these UNESCO monuments. By improving maintenance and crowd management, the government aims to show that Karnataka’s heritage sites are both safe and well-cared-for, countering notions of neglect.

  • Community and Training Initiatives: Bridging the gap between locals and international tourists is another priority. Authorities recognize that better local–tourist interaction can greatly enhance safety perceptions. Training programs for tour guides, hotel staff, and local vendors are being considered to curb practices like overcharging or unwanted attention, and to encourage a more tourist-friendly culture.

    The hope is that if foreigners feel welcomed rather than watched or hassled, their comfort level will improve. Grassroots efforts – from sensitization workshops to involving local communities in tourism – are part of the strategy to rebuild trust.

  • Marketing and Diplomatic Outreach: Karnataka is also ramping up its marketing and outreach on the global stage to repair its image. The Tourism Department has launched the Karnataka Centre for Cultural Diplomacy (KCCD) to engage with foreign diplomatic missions and promote cultural exchange.

    By partnering with embassies and international tourism forums, the state seeks to send a message that it is taking visitor safety seriously and remains a rewarding destination. Officials are urging travel agents and industry partners to more aggressively promote Karnataka abroad, and are planning well ahead for major festivals (like Mysuru Dasara and Hampi Utsav) so that potential visitors can confidently include them in their travel plans.

    The Tourism Minister has set an ambitious goal to catapult Karnataka into the top five Indian states for international tourist visits by 2029 – a target that will require sustained improvements and image rehabilitation.

These efforts have been accompanied by political pressure. The steep decline in foreign tourists has not gone unnoticed in Karnataka’s corridors of power. Opposition leaders have lambasted the ruling administration for “neglecting” tourism and allowing law-and-order lapses to fester.

They point to the 80% fall in Hampi’s foreign visitors as evidence of governance failure in safeguarding tourists and maintaining infrastructure. This public scrutiny has added urgency to the government’s remedial actions. Local tourism businesses, too, are voicing concern – from guides to hoteliers, many report that the loss of foreign clientele is already hitting livelihoods.

Such economic fallout is fueling a collective resolve to make Karnataka’s destinations safer and more appealing. While officials caution that a quick turnaround is unlikely (even the upcoming holiday season may not see a major rebound ), the groundwork is being laid for a gradual recovery of international trust.

Why Travelers and Industry Should Care

This dramatic tourism downturn in Karnataka stands as a cautionary tale for travelers and the global industry alike. It underlines how non-environmental factors – safety, security, and reputation – can swiftly alter a destination’s fortunes.

Karnataka’s historical sites and natural beauty remain as stunning as ever, yet a single egregious incident and its aftershocks have been enough to drive tens of thousands of would-be visitors elsewhere. Such shifts have precedent: after a notorious Delhi gang-rape in 2012, foreign tourist arrivals to India dropped 25% in the following months (with a 35% drop in women travelers), as multiple countries issued warnings and tourists chose alternate destinations.

The Karnataka case reiterates that maintaining a sense of safety is paramount for tourism sustainability. Destinations and tour operators worldwide must proactively manage safety perceptions – through transparent communication and genuine improvements – or risk sudden losses in international demand.

For travelers, the situation is a double-edged sword. On one hand, the safety concerns that sparked this decline are real and cannot be taken lightly – anyone planning a trip to Karnataka (or anywhere, for that matter) should stay informed about local conditions and heed credible advisories. On the other hand, those willing to visit amid the recovery efforts might find unique upsides.

With foreign crowds thinned out, sites like Hampi’s ruins or Mysuru’s palaces are far quieter than usual, allowing for a more intimate experience of their magic. Tourism businesses, eager to lure back visitors, may offer discounted rates or special packages during this downturn.

In essence, Karnataka’s popular spots have briefly become off-the-beaten-path in terms of international tourism – a rarity that adventurous travelers could leverage for a more serene journey. The state’s push to improve safety and infrastructure means conditions are likely to get better going forward, and early visitors might benefit from both the hospitality and value incentives extended to revive positive word-of-mouth.

FAQ

Q1. Why did foreign tourism to Karnataka decline so sharply in 2025?
A major safety incident near Hampi led to global advisories and reputational damage, prompting widespread cancellations among international visitors.

Q2. How severe is the drop in foreign visitor numbers?
Hampi saw an estimated 80 percent decline, while places like Mysuru and Udupi recorded drops of roughly 45 to 75 percent in arrivals through October 2025.

Q3. Is Karnataka unsafe for tourists?
Karnataka’s attractions are not inherently unsafe, but the high-profile crime and subsequent warnings elevated safety concerns overseas.

Q4. Are domestic tourists still visiting Karnataka?
Yes. Domestic tourism remains strong, showing continued confidence among Indian travelers and highlighting the enduring appeal of the state’s destinations.

Q5. What measures is the government taking to restore safety?
Plans include deploying tourist police, increasing patrols, upgrading surveillance, launching safety awareness programs, and improving law and order coordination.

Q6. Are infrastructure improvements part of the recovery plan?
Yes. Authorities are prioritizing road upgrades, sanitation improvements, better last-mile transport, and enhanced visitor facilities.

Q7. How are heritage sites like Hampi being protected?
Efforts include improved maintenance, vegetation control, renewed conservation work, stronger crowd management, and long-term preservation strategies.

Q8. What role do communities and tourism workers play in rebuilding trust?
Training programs for guides, vendors, and hospitality workers aim to reduce harassment, improve cultural sensitivity, and enhance visitor comfort.

Q9. Will international tourism rebound soon?
Recovery is expected to be gradual. Rebuilding trust and reversing reputational damage usually take time after major incidents.

Q10. Can travelers still visit Karnataka responsibly and safely?
Yes. Visitors can travel safely by following current advisories, choosing reputable accommodations, and respecting local guidance. Many may even enjoy quieter sites during this period.