Tourism and Culture Minister Jupally Krishna Rao along with Telangana Tourism Development Corporation Chairman Patel Ramesh Reddy and CEO Valluru Kranthi during a workshop in Hyderabad on Tuesday. | Photo credit: Special arrangement
Tourism and Culture Minister Jupally Krishna Rao on Tuesday (Dec 30) put two-way cultural exchange between rural and urban Telangana at the center of the state’s road map, outlining a strategy aimed at reimagining tourism as a shared cultural experience rather than a one-way showcase.
Addressing a workshop titled Tourism and its Vision – 2026 organized by Telangana Tourism Development Corporation (TGTDC) in Hyderabad, the Minister said that Telangana must definitely move towards global benchmarks in hospitality, innovation and visitor experience if it is to become an international tourism destination by 2026.
Explaining the proposed model, the minister said that domestic and foreign tourists should be introduced to the lifestyle, cuisine and traditions of the rural and tribal communities, enabling them to engage in the local culture in a meaningful way. At the same time, the rural and tribal population would be encouraged to experience the urban transformation of the state through guided guided tours of monuments and historical sites, along with exposure to metropolitan life, including public transport systems such as Metro Rail.
“This exchange-based approach would help bridge social and cultural differences while ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared more equitably between regions,” the minister added.
He also called for a new pool of well-trained, multilingual tour guides to overcome language barriers and improve visitor interaction.
Published – 30 Dec 2025 20:18 IST
