Telangana Proposes Expanded Tourism and Cultural Cooperation With France

Hyderabad — Telangana is seeking to forge closer ties with France across tourism, cultural engagement, and the preservation of heritage sites, according to discussions held at the state secretariat.

Tourism, Culture, Archaeology, Prohibition and Excise Minister Jupally Krishna Rao outlined the vision during a meeting with French Consul General Marc Lamy and Deputy Consul Pascal Loreau at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Telangana Secretariat. The minister emphasized that such collaboration would unlock fresh avenues for tourism development, capital investment, and broader economic expansion.

The state official underscored Telangana's substantial historical, cultural, and architectural assets, noting that Hyderabad has established itself as an international metropolis while maintaining its distinctive heritage character. He called upon French government bodies, the French Embassy, and the tourism industry to champion Hyderabad and other Telangana destinations among visitors from France.

Jupally Krishna Rao also advocated for amplifying cultural exchange initiatives, including facilitating mutual visits between artists, academics, tourism professionals, and cultural representatives from both regions. He further recommended establishing a dedicated joint working group tasked with pinpointing opportunities for heritage conservation efforts, tourism advancement, and cultural programme development.

The French representatives stressed the significance of tourism as a catalyst for economic advancement, job creation, and cross-border engagement. They pointed to France's experience, drawing more than 100 million international arrivals annually, and underscored tourism's capacity to draw worldwide investment.

The delegation also referenced the established India-France strategic alliance, noting existing cooperation in defence, pharmaceuticals, technology, and research sectors. They mentioned that approximately 200 French citizens are presently based in Telangana.

The French officials responded positively to Telangana's proposals, pledging their commitment to positioning Hyderabad as an appealing destination for French tourists. Both parties conveyed optimism that deepened collaboration in tourism, heritage, and cultural spheres would strengthen bilateral relations and generate shared prosperity.