Telangana Pursues Global Tourism Status with Private Sector Push

Hyderabad — Telangana's Tourism Minister Jupally Krishna Rao has articulated the state's vision to establish itself as a premier tourism destination on the world stage, positioning the sector as a catalyst for economic expansion.

Speaking at the "Destination Telangana – Road Ahead" conclave held at the National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management in Gachibowli on Saturday, Krishna Rao outlined a comprehensive strategy to accelerate tourism development. The event was part of the state government's Tourism Week celebrations, conducted under its broader 99-day Praja Palana–Pragathi Pranalika initiative.

The minister emphasised the government's commitment to facilitating tourism sector expansion, particularly through collaborative frameworks with the private sector. He highlighted that a freshly introduced tourism policy would serve as the backbone for attracting international visitors and strengthening Telangana's competitive positioning.

Krishna Rao extended an invitation to industrialists and private enterprises to channel investments into tourism ventures across the state. He assured prospective investors that the administration would expedite approvals following submission of detailed project reports, with all processes conducted within the Ease of Doing Business framework.

In a bid to remove infrastructure bottlenecks, the government announced its willingness to lease unused state properties on extended terms for tourism development. This measure, Krishna Rao explained, would facilitate better project execution and infrastructure advancement.

The minister called for innovative proposals from entrepreneurs, noting that the government would soon release Expressions of Interest targeting specific tourism destinations. For selected agencies, the state would shoulder design and project estimation expenses, removing a significant financial barrier to entry.

Acknowledging existing deficiencies, Krishna Rao pointed out that numerous tourist sites currently lack essential amenities including potable water, sanitation facilities, lodging options, and dining establishments. He urged private operators to introduce contemporary facilities such as mobile glass structures and canvas accommodation, pledging comprehensive government backing for such initiatives.

Reframing tourism beyond mere recreation, Krishna Rao characterised it as a substantial economic sector with transformative potential. He referenced smaller developed nations that rely substantially on tourism revenues, suggesting a similar model could benefit Telangana's broader economy.

The minister underscored that tourism expansion would generate employment for younger demographics while strengthening ancillary industries. Infrastructure development capable of welcoming both domestic and international visitors remains a priority, he stated, with projects including a planned ropeway installation at Bhongir Fort among the government's focus areas.

The programme was attended by Tourism and Culture Special Chief Secretary Vani Prasad, Telangana Tourism Development Corporation Chairman Patel Ramesh Reddy, Tourism Director Lakshman Rajinikanth Naik, NITHM Director Venkataramana, Archaeology Director Prof Arjun Rao, and representatives from the tourism sector.