Transform Telangana into a Global Tourism Hub: Jupally Krishna Rao

Minister for Tourism and Culture Jupally Krishna Rao on Tuesday called for a paradigm shift in the State’s tourism sector, urging officials to adopt international standards to position Telangana as a premier global hub.

Addressing a brainstorming workshop titled ‘Tourism and Its Vision – 2026’ organized by the Telangana Tourism Development Corporation (TGTDC) at the Taramati Baradari Cultural Complex, the Minister emphasized that Telangana must serve as a beacon for the country through innovation and uncompromising quality. The workshop commenced with the Minister lighting the traditional lamp and unveiling the TGTDC Table Calendar – 2026, marking a strategic milestone for the department’s future roadmap.

He noted that in an era where the world has become a global village, Telangana does not need to reinvent its foundations. He observed that nature and history have already endowed the State with abundant resources, and the primary task remains the effective refining and packaging of these assets to ensure the world looks toward Telangana. A key highlight of the Minister’s address was the proposal for a two-way cultural exchange model designed to bridge the gap between rural traditions and urban progress. Under this initiative, urban and international tourists will be introduced to the authentic lifestyles, cuisines, and traditions of tribal and rural communities. In a reciprocal effort, the department will facilitate exposure for rural and tribal populations to the State’s urban growth, including visits to historic landmarks, heritage sites, and an introduction to modern metropolitan lifestyles and transit infrastructure like the Metro Rail.

Emphasizing the need to increase the tourist footprint, the Minister stated that the focus must shift from transit visits to longer "stay-in" tourism. He directed officials to create an environment that encourages visitors to stay for at least 48 hours, asserting that Telangana must compete with and eventually surpass premier tourism states like Kerala in hospitality. He stressed that there can be no compromise on the quality of accommodation, food, or transport services. To enhance visibility, Mr. Rao suggested aggressive promotional campaigns in IT corridors, shopping malls, and educational institutions, while also calling for the training of a new cadre of skilled, multilingual guides to bridge language barriers. He further encouraged the use of cultural skits and art forms to engage potential visitors more effectively.

Assuring full government backing for radical reforms, the Minister urged officials and field staff to work in total synchronization to realize the 2026 vision. The session was attended by TGTDC Chairman Patel Ramesh Reddy, Managing Director Kranti Valluru, NITHM Director Venkataramana, and Archaeology Director Dr. Arjun Rao, among other senior officials.

The workshop also saw participation from various District Tourism Officers, Haritha Hotel Unit Managers, and staff from the NITHM and Heritage departments. In recognition of their dedication, the Minister presented appreciation certificates to the officers and staff for their valuable contributions and strategic suggestions toward the development of the sector.