Experts bat for sustainable tourism at Mysore Travel Mart panel discussion
University of Mysore (UoM) Registrar M.K. Savitha inaugurating the panel discussions at the Mysore Travel Mart-2026 (MTM-2026) at Jagannatha Centre for Art and Culture in Vijayanagar here this morning. Others seen are (from left) Mysore Chamber of Commerce and Industry President K.B. Lingaraju; Chairman of UoM’s Department of Journalism and Mass Communication Dr. M.S. Sapna; Chairman of GSS Group Srihari Dwaraknath; former Mysuru Hotel Owners Association President M. Rajendra; former President of Karnataka Tourism Forum Ravi Menon; Star of Mysore and Mysuru Mithra Managing Editor Vikram Muthanna; MTM-2026 Chairman C.A. Jayakumar and Mysore Travels Association President B.S. Prashanth.
Star of Mysore and Mysuru Mithra Managing Editor Vikram Muthanna seen during the panel discussion on the second day of the fifth edition of Mysore Travel Mart (MTM-2026) at the Jagannatha Centre for Art & Culture (JCAC) auditorium in Vijayanagar this morning with University of Mysore (UoM) Registrar M.K. Savitha; Chairman of GSS Group Srihari Dwaraknath and Chairman of UoM’s Department of Journalism and Mass Communication Dr. M.S. Sapna.
Mysuru, June 6 – A session on ‘Tourism and Journalism’ was organised on the second day of the fifth edition of Mysore Travel Mart (MTM-2026) at the Jagannatha Centre for Art & Culture (JCAC) auditorium in Vijayanagar this morning, with speakers highlighting tourism’s role in economic growth, cultural preservation and sustainable development.
The event is being jointly organised by the Mysore Travels Association (MTA) and the Karnataka Tourism Department.
Addressing the gathering, University of Mysore Registrar M.K. Savitha said tourism today is much more than a leisure activity and has emerged as a key pillar of India’s economy and identity.
Citing Mysuru as a model destination that successfully blends heritage with modern tourism opportunities, she said the city has expanded beyond iconic attractions to embrace wellness, yoga, eco-tourism, wildlife and culinary tourism.
“Mysuru attracts nearly 28,000 international yoga learners every year, strengthening its reputation as a global wellness tourism destination,” she said.
She urged stakeholders, including tour operators, hoteliers, event organisers and technology partners, to act as ambassadors of destinations and creators of memorable travel experiences. She also stressed the importance of sustainable tourism, environmental conservation and heritage preservation.
Growing influence of social media
MTA President B.S. Prashanth spoke about the growing influence of social media, particularly among students and young travellers. He said platforms such as Instagram and Facebook have become powerful tools for destination promotion and should be effectively leveraged to showcase Mysuru.
“Social media should be used as a powerful tool to promote Mysuru positively,” he said, adding that the rich legacy left behind by the Wadiyars must be preserved and built upon.
Better infrastructure
Star of Mysore and Mysuru Mithra Managing Editor Vikram Muthanna said tourism is not merely about tourist attractions but also about employment generation and economic development.
Describing tourism as vital to Mysuru’s growth, he stressed the need for quality infrastructure, including safe drinking water, well-maintained roads and better civic amenities.
“Tourism is important to the health of Mysuru city. If guests come to our home and we are unable to offer proper hospitality, they will go elsewhere. The same principle applies to tourism,” he remarked.
He also cautioned against overpromising destinations through publicity campaigns.
“If expectations are raised but facilities fail to match them, negative publicity spreads much faster,” he said, urging authorities to ensure infrastructure and services keep pace with promotional efforts.
President of MCCI K.B. Lingaraju, Chairman of GSS Group Srihari Dwaraknath, Prof. M.S. Sapna, Chairman of Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Mysore, MTM-2026 Chairman C.A. Jayakumar, former Mysuru Hotel Owners Association President and Karnataka Pradesh Hotel and Restaurants’ Association President M. Rajendra and others were present.
This post was published on June 6, 2026 7:30 pm