Dearth of global publicity hits tourism prospects

Mysuru: Mysuru is among the most visited tourist destinations in the country and has been attracting visitors from across the globe for decades.

Tourists have been visiting here to experience its architectural and historical marvels, including Mysore Palace, Mysuru Zoo and Chamundi Hill, among other attractions.

While the tourism industry recovered during the post-COVID period, the number of foreign tourists visiting Mysuru has been declining. The city, which attracted lakhs of tourists in 2023 and 2024, witnessed only a few thousand foreign tourists visiting last year.

Lack of promotion

People associated with tourism industry attribute the decline mainly to lack of publicity for Mysuru at the global level. While there is no dearth of tourist attractions, there is no comprehensive blueprint to promote destinations beyond the city and showcase the wider district to tourists.

Stakeholders say that the Tourism Department needs to come up with themed tourist packages that introduce visitors to local culture and traditions, rural life, traditional cuisine, art, nature and adventure sports.

At present, the State Government does not have any specific programme to promote tourism at the district-level, focusing instead on State-level promotion. With no other option, the Tourism Department has been taking the help of vloggers to promote tourist destinations in Mysuru.

“The Department has placed QR codes at all tourist spots. On scanning the codes, visitors can get information about the history and other details of the place. We have been using social media platforms to promote Mysuru tourism on a larger scale. Efforts are also being made to ensure that tourists stay in Mysuru for a longer duration rather than just one or two days,” said Department of Tourism Assistant Director V.M. Prabhuswamy.

Tourist helpline, patrolling

Following reports that some touts were allegedly misleading tourists in Mysuru by providing false information about the closure of major attractions and diverting them to shops that pay hefty commissions, Prabhuswamy said temporary arrangements had been made to deploy tourist patrolling units across the city.

“A tourist helpline has also been started to prevent foreign tourists from being harassed by touts. The Tourism Department website provides links to the web portals of the Palace and Zoo, besides information on five-star hotels, among other details, to ensure tourist safety,” he added.

Focus on 26 tourist spots

The Tourism Department has identified 26 important tourist locations in Mysuru for development and creating awareness among tourists.

Tourist spots identified include Palace, Jaganmohan Art Gallery, Zoo, Chamundi Hill, Varuna Lake, Lingambudhi Lake, Kaveri Multi Media Art Gallery, Talakadu, Somanathapura, Gargeshwari, Cauvery river basins, Nanjangud, Tagadur Temple Complex, Badanavalu Gandhi Ashram, Karapura, Kabini backwaters, Gommatagiri, Nagarahole Safari, Chikkahunasuru Kere, Bylakuppe Golden Temple, Chunchanakatte Falls, Saligrama Doddakere, Chikkadevaramma Betta, Kabini, Taraka & Nugu Dams.

Palace on top priority

Despite the decline in foreign tourists visiting the city, Mysuru Palace remains the top priority. Statistics for the last five years reveal that tourists have consistently preferred to visit the Palace.

The Palace’s architecture, history and the legacy of the royal family continue to attract tourists from across the globe throughout the year. After the Palace, Chamundi Hill attracts the highest number of tourists, while Talakadu and Somanathapura also remain popular destinations.

Foreign visitors

2021-766 (COVID-19)

2022-13,881

2023-2,13,941

2024-1,85,549

2025-93,201

2026-19,086 (till Feb. end)