OneTAC launches digital tourism circuit to boost Udupi creators

OneTAC has launched its first Experience Circuit in Udupi, marking a major step for digital public infrastructure in India's tourism, arts, and culture sector. The initiative is supported by the Ministry of Tourism under the Incredible India campaign and aims to foster community-led tourism and empower local creators in the experience economy.

Collaboration network

The Udupi Experience Circuit is backed by several organisations. CulKey Foundation contributes expertise in cultural development and placemaking. Samhita focuses on community mobilisation and livelihoods. GoodPass delivers technology for discovery and travel distribution. RubiX acts as the supplier aggregation platform, while Paradise Group provides hospitality, logistics, and operational support. Together, these partners intend to develop a scalable and replicable model for community-driven tourism, providing a platform for micro-entrepreneurs, artisans, and local experience creators.

Platform potential

The platform is designed to make the skills and crafts of local communities more accessible and verifiable through digital infrastructure. This approach seeks to make the region's rich cultural offerings bookable and trusted by both domestic and international travellers.

"Tourism and culture are powerful engines of inclusive growth. OneTAC brings a true DPI mindset to empower local creators and position Karnataka as a leader in experiential tourism. It is not just a platform - it is digital public infrastructure for India's cultural and experience economy. For the first time, creators, artisans, and communities share a digital backbone that makes their knowledge discoverable, their craft verifiable, and their livelihoods scalable. When cultural richness meets open, interoperable technology, we unlock an entirely new category of inclusive growth for the state and the country."

Udupi focus

OneTAC chose Udupi as its first circuit because of its blend of cultural heritage, ecological wealth, and entrepreneurial activity. The area encompasses temple traditions, Daiva worship, Yakshagana theatre, and diverse folk arts. Its backwaters, mangroves, and proximity to the Western Ghats highlight its status as a biodiversity hotspot. The region's culinary scene, rooted in seafood and coastal traditions, further enriches Udupi's offer.

The primary strengths of the circuit lie in the individuals that make up the local culture: folk artists, fisherfolk, performers, sportspersons, artisans, home chefs, and storytellers. The circuit launches with 20 experience entrepreneurs across six experience segments and over 15 curated trails. Over the next six months, more circuits and creators will be added as expansion continues across Coastal Karnataka.

Government endorsement

"Launching OneTAC with Udupi Circuit reflects our commitment to community-led tourism and cultural revival. OneTAC strengthens Karnataka's creative economy and global appeal by giving our culture a powerful digital foundation. As we prepare to launch the Karnataka Centre for Cultural Diplomacy (KCCD), we aim to position Karnataka's culture as a bridge between the State and the world. KCCD will showcase our art, heritage, folk traditions, and cuisine on global platforms, deepen engagement with foreign missions, and attract international travellers through cultural exchange. Together, initiatives like OneTAC and KCCD will empower local artists, performers, and cultural entrepreneurs, helping Karnataka build a future-ready, inclusive, and globally connected tourism ecosystem."

Community impact

OneTAC and its partners are targeting inclusion and local economic growth. Through digital tools and collaboration, the model aims to help India address local employment needs and ensure cultural heritage benefits local communities.

"The future of tourism won't be driven by big business alone, but by Made-in-Local creators who reflect the soul of our communities. India must create 8 million jobs every year to become a developed economy, and that will happen only when opportunity reaches the grassroots. Udupi shows what's possible when communities lead and technology becomes an enabler, not a barrier. Through OneTAC, we are investing in dignified livelihoods and building an inclusive economy where local entrepreneurs can thrive while protecting the cultural richness of our places," said Prathima Manohar, Director GoodPass, Paradise Group and Co-Curator of OneTAC Udupi Circuit.

Impact fund

The establishment of the OneTAC Impact Fund, a partnership between the state government and market participants, aims to support micro experience entrepreneurs looking to scale up their tourism operations. The fund will start by assisting the initial Udupi cohort and is set to extend to future cohorts elsewhere in Karnataka.