Hyderabad: Telangana Tourism recorded a landmark ₹22,324 crore investment in 2025, positioning the state as a global destination. Under the Telangana Tourism Policy 2025–2030, this investment is expected to generate around 90,000 jobs.
In its year-end report released on Wednesday, the Department of Tourism declared 2025 a watershed year. The state achieved record growth in cultural visibility, infrastructure expansion, and international investor confidence.
Tourism Conclave, global summits drive record growth
The ₹15,279 crore investment secured at the Tourism Conclave 2025 was further boosted by ₹7,045 crore raised at the Telangana Rising Global Summit. Major investors Foodlink Global Centre, Sarus Infra, and Smart Mobility announced high-value projects in wellness, cultural, and convention tourism.
Telangana also gained global recognition by hosting Miss World 2025 in Hyderabad. The event showcased the state’s world-class infrastructure and “Safe and Friendly” branding. During the Bathukamma festival, Telangana set two Guinness World Records—for the tallest floral arrangement and the largest folk dance with 1,354 women participating.
As a result, the state earned several accolades, including Travel + Lounge’s “Best Heritage Destination” and Outlook Traveller’s “Best Indigenous Culinary Destination.”
Digital innovation and infrastructure expansion lead the way
The Department launched a Unified Online Tourism Portal, GIS-based mapping, and Digital Travel Cards, enhancing tourist convenience. Meanwhile, the new 80-member Tourist Police unit responded to emergencies and recovered lost items at key heritage sites, strengthening visitor safety.
On the infrastructure front, Telangana completed 78 out of 123 initiated projects. Notably, central schemes such as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and PRASHAD supported the Eco-Tourism Zone at Ananthagiri Hills and an experiential tourism zone at Bhongir Fort. Water tourism also expanded with the launch of the 120-seater Muchukunda boat at Hussain Sagar.
2026 roadmap focuses on niche and high-tech tourism
Looking ahead, Telangana will operationalise a Heli-Tourism circuit connecting Hyderabad, Somasila, and Srisailam. The state also plans to launch premium wedding destinations at Nagarjuna Sagar, Baswapur, and Somasila, aimed at capturing the global destination wedding market.
To kick off 2026, Hyderabad will host three international events in January: the International Kite and Sweet Festival with participation from 19 countries, a Hot Air Balloon Festival, and a high-tech Drone Show at Gachibowli Stadium.
Furthermore, the state is master-planning 27 Special Tourism Areas. With the upcoming launch of a Medical Tourism Society and a focus on community-led initiatives, Telangana is on track to realise its 2047 tourism vision.