Tourism Minister Jupally Krishna Rao said on Tuesday that tourism needs more attention and should contribute more to the gross domestic product, adding that the ministry is joining the broader goal of achieving a ₹3 trillion economy.
Describing tourism at the Telangana Rising Global Summit as one of the most neglected sectors despite huge potential, he said the state is home to historical forts, monuments, temples and scenic landscapes that have great potential to attract tourists. A large percentage of the state’s nearly four million population is unaware of its heritage and cultural wealth.
“Along with infrastructure and basic amenities, there is a severe lack of accommodation,” he said, urging hoteliers to think beyond five-star hotels and develop alternative categories of stay that take into account the affordability of different groups. He touched on the need for road equipment and infrastructure including international standards.
Industry leaders commented on Telangana’s potential to serve as an important tourism hub. AV Rao of Ramoji Group said that tourism growth depends on building a strong ecosystem of destinations, quality products and inbound promotion. “When the experiences complement each other, the length of stay increases and it has an impact on the ecosystem,” he said, adding that inbound tourism has yet to reach pre-Covid numbers. He emphasized the need to bundle experiences and involve local travel agencies in the last mile.
Prabhat Varma, executive vice-president of The Indian Hotels Company Limited, described Telangana as “a young state with an ancient soul”. He said this was due to different cultures and histories marked by the legacy of the Kakatiyas, Sufis and the Nizam.
He cited the revival of the Taj Falaknuma Palace as a national tourism heritage benchmark and highlighted the scope for culinary tourism. “One in four travelers – travel for food. Telangana can offer select culinary trails from Sankranti to Ramzan,” he said
Minister for Forests and Environment and Minister for Endowments Konda Surekha touched upon Telangana’s green spaces and how places of spirituality like the Ramappa temple are linked to “nature-based” tourism. She pointed out that out of 1.12 lakh sq km in the state, 19% is forest land. Adding trees and green cover increased this to 22%. “Protected forests offer huge potential for eco-tourism,” he said, adding that an eco-tourism framework has been put in place. The state, she said, has 13 circuits for eco-tourism and heritage and spirituality sites like Ramappa and Srisailam are linked to nature-based tourism.
Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Sunita Bhagwat said the Telangana tourism policy integrates the state-wide ecotourism framework led by the Telangana Forest Development Corporation. Ecotourism projects are being developed in Amrabad, Vikarabad, Tadvai and the backwaters of the Sriram Sagar project, with tribal youth being trained as naturalists.
Published – 09 Dec 2025 21:00 IST
