This research study investigates tourism marketing strategies in selective places within Karnataka, India, aiming to enhance destination attractiveness and drive tourist inflow. The objectives include examining the effectiveness of digital marketing and heritage branding in shaping tourists’ perceptions and choices, analyzing factors influencing destination loyalty, and assessing the implications for tourism marketing practices. A quantitative research design was employed, utilizing an online survey administered to 500 tourists who had visited Mysore, Hampi, Coorg, and Gokarna. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS and included descriptive statistics, factor analysis, multiple regression analysis, and structural equation modeling (SEM). Key findings reveal that digital marketing platforms significantly influence destination selection, with search engines and social media having the highest impact. Heritage branding positively affects tourist perception, enhancing cultural experiences and historical interest. The study identifies positive previous experiences and natural beauty as primary factors influencing destination loyalty. Furthermore, a strong positive correlation between tourist satisfaction and destination loyalty underscores the importance of delivering exceptional tourist experiences. The research contributes to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence of effective tourism marketing strategies in Karnataka, offering insights for policymakers, destination management organizations, and tourism stakeholders to develop tailored marketing strategies. These findings have broader implications for enhancing destination competitiveness and driving sustainable tourism growth in regions with similar cultural and tourism profiles.