Hyderabad: Tourism Minister Jupally Krishna Rao directed officials to prepare a comprehensive and time-bound Telangana tourism plan for infrastructure development, destination branding, and wider promotion across the State.
He issued the directions while chairing the Tourism Advisory Committee meeting at Tourism Plaza in Begumpet on Tuesday. The Minister said Telangana had strong potential to become one of India’s premier tourism destinations.
He said the government was committed to developing Telangana as a vibrant tourism hub. Therefore, officials were asked to use the State’s heritage, culture, temples, eco-tourism sites, forests, reservoirs, and hospitality strengths.
Telangana tourism plan to improve basic amenities
Jupally Krishna Rao instructed officials to follow up on all suggestions made during the meeting. He also directed them to fix clear responsibilities for implementation.
The Minister said basic amenities needed urgent improvement at major tourist destinations. These included toilets, temporary accommodation, tents, glass houses, wayside facilities, and visitor infrastructure.
He proposed a grand annual carnival in Hyderabad during November and December. Moreover, he said the event should attract domestic and international tourists.
The Minister said the carnival should gradually become self-sustaining through sponsorship support. He also suggested city beautification through sculptures, landscaping, and creative public spaces.
Telangana tourism plan covers major destinations
Jupally Krishna Rao directed officials to speed up tourism development at Somashila, Warangal, Ramappa, Yadadri, Golconda, Taramati Baradari, and Nagarjuna Sagar.
He also called for regular weekend cultural programmes at major tourism centres. According to him, such events would improve visitor engagement and attract more tourists.
During the meeting, committee members suggested steps to promote Hyderabad as a global tourism and wedding destination. They also sought stronger focus on medical tourism, wellness tourism, temple tourism, golf tourism, and film tourism.
Members said Telangana needed aggressive marketing in domestic markets. They also stressed promotion in the Middle East and Central Asian markets.
Special Chief Secretary Vani Prasad said steps were already under way for amenities, tourism projects, caravans, forts, and investor outreach. She also highlighted the need for stronger branding and faster execution.
The Minister assured members that constructive suggestions would be examined positively. He said they would be included in the State’s tourism roadmap.
Jupally Krishna Rao directed officials to submit concrete proposals before the next review meeting. He also asked them to show visible progress on priority initiatives.
TGTDC Managing Director Gauthami, Director of Tourism Laxman Ranjith Naik, and Tourism Advisory Committee members attended the meeting.