Tourism has become one of the fastest growing service industries, contributing significantly to economic development, employment creation, and cultural exchange. In Karnataka, tourism has witnessed rapid growth supported by digitalization, technological innovation, and experiential strategies, yet faces challenges of competitiveness and sustainability. This study aimed to examine the influence of transformative marketing practices—including digital marketing campaigns, social media and influencer engagement, and AI-driven personalization—on business performance in the Karnataka tourism ecosystem. A quantitative and descriptive research design was adopted, using a structured questionnaire distributed to 353 domestic and international tourists through online platforms. Responses were measured on a five-point Likert scale, and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, reliability testing, and regression analysis. The results revealed that digital marketing significantly improves business outcomes by enhancing destination visibility and shaping tourist decision-making. Social media and influencer marketing were also found to play a critical role in influencing perceptions, destination image, and engagement, thereby strengthening customer trust and loyalty. Furthermore, AI-based technologies emerged as a powerful determinant of performance, offering personalization, operational efficiency, and improved tourist satisfaction. The findings highlight that digitalization, influencer-driven strategies, and intelligent technologies are complementary enablers of sustainable competitiveness in tourism. The study concludes that integrating these transformative marketing dimensions into managerial practices is essential for achieving both immediate business gains and long-term destination resilience