Hyderabad: Yuva Tourism Clubs have placed Telangana at the top nationally, with the State recording around 5,000 registrations out of nearly 9,000 registered across the country. Tourism Department officials highlighted the achievement during an orientation meeting held in Hyderabad on Monday.
The Department of Tourism organised the meeting at The Plaza Hotel, Begumpet, to review the implementation strategy and operational framework of the Yuva Tourism Clubs and Telangana Darshini programmes. Representatives from educational institutions, universities, government departments and other stakeholders participated in the discussions.
The programmes aim to introduce students to Telangana’s tourism, cultural, heritage and ecological resources. They also seek to encourage responsible tourism and strengthen youth participation in heritage and environmental activities.
Officials stated that the Yuva Tourism Clubs initiative encourages students to take part in tourism-related programmes, heritage awareness campaigns, environmental conservation activities and the promotion of local traditions. Through these clubs, the department plans to create greater awareness of Telangana’s cultural and tourism assets among young people.
Meanwhile, the Telangana Darshini programme focuses on educational exposure visits. Under the initiative, students will visit important tourist destinations, heritage sites, cultural centres and eco-tourism locations across the State.
Yuva Tourism Clubs to strengthen student participation
The orientation meeting examined the formation and functioning of Yuva Tourism Clubs in educational institutions. Participants also discussed institutional coordination, student engagement and awareness-generation activities required for effective implementation.
Further, the department sought suggestions from stakeholders to improve programme delivery and expand participation. Officials said such consultations would help ensure successful implementation across Telangana.
The Tourism Department reiterated its commitment to developing a sense of pride among students in Telangana’s heritage and tourism potential. According to officials, the programmes will help connect young people with the State’s history, culture and natural resources.
Special Chief Secretary of the Youth Advancement, Tourism and Culture Department Vani Prasad attended the meeting. Tourism Director Ranjeet Nayak, TGTDC Managing Director Gouthami, Heritage Director Arjun Rao, NITHM Director Prof. Venkata Ramana and Higher Education Chairman Bala Kishta Reddy also participated.
Officials from School Education, College Education, Technical Education departments and District Tourism Offices were present at the meeting.