Hyderabad: The state government has drafted a new tourism policy to attract more tourists to the state’s iconic landmarks like Somasila, Ramappa, Laknavaram, Nagarjunasagar and Anantagiri Hills, said minister of tourism and culture Jupally Krishna Rao.
He said the tourism policy will make Telangana a major tourism hub in the country and will boost economic development and employment opportunities by developing tourist places and providing infrastructure through public-private partnerships.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has prioritised the tourism sector and is focusing on eco and medical tourism. “The new policy draft has been prepared, and the state government will make decisions based on the Chief Minister’s advice,” Krishna Rao said, adding that that chief minister will soon meet the Union minister of tourism and culture to request funds for the development of Telangana tourism.
Krishna Rao said the tourism department had been neglected in last ten years with no policy for the development of the tourism sector as the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government had been careless. “The BRS government failed to get funds from the Centre leading to chaos in the tourism sector. The management at Taramati Baradari and Haritha Hotel chain is poorly maintained,” he added.
Krishna Rao pointed out that despite Telangana state's natural beauty and historical heritage, tourism has not developed 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 develop a plan on international standards and steps will be taken to attract local and global tourists,” he said, adding that Somasila will be identified as a suitable place for destination weddings 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 resort will be established in Anantagiri, ensuring marriage ceremonies combining local culture and traditions.
Krishna Rao said the prestige of the National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management (NITHM) had faded under the previous government, with enrolment falling from over 800 to 200. He promised to restore it to its former glory.