In a significant push to redefine its tourism landscape, Telangana's government has set its sights on competing with the world's best. Minister for Tourism and Culture, Jupally Krishna Rao, delivered a compelling vision for the sector's future, emphasizing an urgent need to adopt international standards.
A Strategic Shift from Transit to Stay-in Tourism
The minister addressed a crucial workshop titled "Tourism and Its Vision – 2026" on Tuesday. The event was organized by the Telangana Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) at the historic Taramati Baradari Cultural Complex in Hyderabad. Rao pinpointed a fundamental change required: moving away from encouraging short transit visits to actively promoting longer 'stay-in' tourism.
He issued a clear directive to officials: create an ecosystem that motivates visitors to extend their stay to a minimum of 48 hours. The benchmark for success, he stated, should be to not just compete with but eventually surpass top Indian tourism states like Kerala in hospitality. Rao was unequivocal about quality, stating there should be zero compromise on accommodation, food, or transportation services offered to tourists.
Aggressive Promotion and Bridging Cultural Gaps
To boost visibility, the minister proposed launching aggressive promotional campaigns in key urban spaces. These include IT corridors, major shopping malls, and educational institutions across the state. Recognizing the importance of communication, he called for the training of a new cadre of skilled, multilingual guides to break down language barriers for international visitors.
Furthermore, Rao advocated for the creative incorporation of local cultural skits and traditional art forms to engage potential tourists more effectively. A key innovative proposal from his address was a two-way cultural exchange model. This initiative is designed to bridge the gap between rural traditions and urban progress.
The model has a dual objective:
- To introduce urban and international tourists to the authentic lifestyles, cuisines, and heritage of Telangana's tribal and rural communities.
- To facilitate exposure for rural and tribal populations to the state's urban growth, including visits to historic landmarks, heritage sites, and modern infrastructure like the Metro Rail.
Leveraging Natural and Historical Endowments
Minister Jupally Krishna Rao expressed confidence that Telangana does not need to reinvent itself to attract global attention. He observed that in today's globalized world, nature and history have already endowed the state with abundant resources. The core task, he emphasized, is to strategically refine, package, and present these assets to the world.
He concluded by asserting that through relentless innovation and an uncompromising commitment to quality, Telangana must shine as a beacon for the nation in the tourism sector. The roadmap laid out in the workshop clearly sets the stage for a transformative journey leading up to 2026.
