Hyderabad: Minister for Tourism and Culture Jupally Krishna Rao on Tuesday identified tourism in Telangana as a critical sector for economic growth and employment, urging intensified development and investment to unlock its full potential.
Participating in a panel titled “Experience Telangana: Heritage, Culture and Future-Ready Tourism” at the Telangana Rising Global Summit, the Minister said tourism had long remained under-prioritised in India despite its proven impact in countries with limited natural resources. Citing global examples from the Middle East and Asia, he stated that these regions had achieved rapid growth by treating tourism as a core economic strategy.
Tourism sector to drive inclusive development
Jupally said Telangana had diverse tourism assets from ancient temples, forts, and monuments to natural landscapes, festivals, and artisan traditions—but public awareness remained low. He encouraged citizens to explore local destinations, stressing that tourism also deepened cultural understanding and supported traditional livelihoods.
He called for strengthened infrastructure, including varied accommodation, roadside amenities, and multi-day travel facilities. According to him, focused tourism investment would generate jobs for youth and promote self-employment in rural areas, directly benefiting local economies.
Highlighting the Free Bus Travel Scheme for women, the Minister said it could help expand access to regional tourist spots and foster inclusive participation in the tourism economy.
Cultural heritage to anchor tourism growth
The Minister traced Telangana’s cultural lineage from the Shatavahana and Kakatiya eras and cited key monuments such as the Qutub Shahi Tombs and Kakatiya Kala Thoranam as examples of the State’s enduring architectural legacy. He also referenced the contributions of poet Pothana and Telangana’s cultural ethos of integrity and kindness.
He said the newly launched tourism policy aimed to make tourism contribute 10% to Telangana’s GDP by 2047. The policy includes incentives to attract private investment, and the department is working to convert key heritage sites and properties into revenue-generating assets.
Jupally said the official Telangana Tourism website now offers comprehensive information on transport, accommodation, safety, and destinations, streamlining the travel experience for both domestic and international visitors.
He appealed to citizens, investors, and industry stakeholders to promote tourism in Telangana globally, positioning the State as a culturally vibrant and investment-ready destination.
తెలంగాణ రైజింగ్ 2047 – గ్లోబల్ సమ్మిట్లో భాగంగా “తెలంగాణ అనుభవాలు – వారసత్వం, సంస్కృతి – ఫ్యూచర్ రెడీ టూరిజం” అనే అంశంపై నిర్వహించిన చర్చా కార్యక్రమంలో సహచర మంత్రివర్యలు కొండా సురేఖ గారితో కలిసి పాల్గొన్నాను.
గౌరవ ముఖ్యమంత్రి రేవంత్ రెడ్డి గారి మార్గనిర్దేశంలో జరుగుతున్న ఈ… pic.twitter.com/kxIzTWh2JS
— Jupally Krishna Rao (@jupallyk_rao) December 9, 2025