Mysuru: It is a matter of pride for Mysuru’s thriving tourism and hospitality sector that C. Narayanagowda, President of Mysuru Hotel Owners’ Association, has bagged the State-level ‘Atithya Ratna 2025’ award.

The award was conferred during the 70th annual celebration of the Karnataka State Hotels Association in Bengaluru, recognising Narayanagowda’s exceptional contributions to the industry and his unwavering commitment to promoting Mysuru as a premier tourist destination.

At a felicitation ceremony organised recently by the Mysuru Hotel Owners’ Association at a private hotel in Vishweshwaranagar, MLA T.S. Srivatsa said that Narayanagowda has been instrumental in fostering collaboration between local organisations, entrepreneurs and the District Administration to host high-profile events such as World Tourism Day and International Yoga Day, elevating Mysuru’s global profile.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, he played a pivotal role in supporting hotel workers by facilitating food supplies and medical aid through the Labour Department. He also extended crucial assistance to struggling small-scale hoteliers, helping them navigate financial hardships,” he noted.

MLA K. Harishgowda praised Narayanagowda’s two-decade-long dedication to promoting Mysuru’s tourism. His efforts in organising major festivals — including Mysuru Dasara, New Year celebrations, Ashada, Deepavali and summer season events — have drawn lakhs of tourists, generated employment and preserved the region’s cultural legacy.

Additionally, Narayanagowda has been a driving force behind leveraging Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds for government initiatives. His leadership in conceptualising and executing the Mysuru Dasara Food Festival has been particularly noteworthy, offering tourists a unique culinary experience, he added.

Hundreds of hoteliers attended the event to personally congratulate Narayanagowda on this well-deserved honour. Among the dignitaries present were G.K. Shetty, State President, Hotel Owners’ Association; M. Rajendra, former State President; Ravi Shastri, Vice-President; A.R. Ravindra Bhat, Secretary; Suresh Ugraiah, G. Ashok, Subramanya Tantri, K.S. Arun, K. Bhaskar Shetty, P.S. Shekhar, Kiran and M.V. Ramaprasad.