Telangana government to formulate new tourism policy to boost sector

Hyderabad: The state government has come up with a new tourism policy that aims to attract more tourists to the state’s famous attractions like Somasila, Ramappa, Laknavaram, Nagarjunasagar and Anantagiri hills, Tourism and Culture Minister Jupally Krishna Rao said.

He added that the tourism policy will make Telangana a major tourist hub in the country and also boost economic development and increase employment opportunities by developing tourist attractions and providing infrastructure through public-private partnerships.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has given priority to the tourism sector and is focusing on eco and medical tourism. “A new draft policy has been prepared and the state government will take decisions based on the advice of the chief minister,” Krishna Rao said, adding that the chief minister will soon meet the Union Tourism and Culture Minister to seek funds for the development of tourism in Telangana.

Krishna Rao said the tourism department was being neglected for the last ten years, with no policy in place to develop the tourism sector, as the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government was negligent. “The BRS government did not receive funds from the Centre, which led to chaos in the tourism sector. The management at Taramati Baradari and the Haritha chain of hotels is poorly maintained,” he added.

Krishna Rao noted that despite the natural beauty and historical heritage of Telangana, tourism has not taken off as expected. In contrast, countries like Singapore, Dubai and those in Africa with fewer resources have turned to tourism as their main source of income.

“Telangana Tourism will formulate a plan based on international standards and take steps to attract local as well as global tourists,” he said, adding that Somasila will be identified as a suitable destination for wedding trips and adventure tourism in the backwaters of the Krishna river.

To promote destination weddings, Ramappa, Laknavaram, Nagarjunasagar and Anantagiri Hills will be developed. He mentioned that a wellness tourism centre will be set up at Anantagiri, providing wedding ceremonies that blend local culture and traditions.

Krishna Rao said the prestige of the National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management (NITHM) had declined under the previous government and the number of students enrolled had come down from over 800 to 200. He promised to restore its former glory.