Hyderabad, Dec.9 (RAHNUMA): Minister for Tourism and Cultural Jupally Krishna Rao has described tourism as a key engine of economic growth and employment creation.
Citing examples from the Middle East and Asia, he observed that several countries with limited natural resources had achieved significant economic progress by prioritising tourism. In contrast, the Minister remarked that tourism had remained a relatively overlooked sector in both Telangana and India. However, under the present Government, the sector was receiving focused attention and planned interventions.
Jupally Krishna Rao participated in a panel discussion on “Experience Telangana: Heritage, Culture and Future-Ready Tourism” at the Telangana Rising – Global Summit on Tuesday.
The session saw the participation of Endowment and Forest Minister Konda Surekha, TGTDC Managing Director Kranthi Valluru, Principal CCF Sunitha Bagavat, NITHM Director Venkata Ramana, Experium Chairman Randhev Rao, IHCL Executive Vice President (South & International Operations) Prabhat Verma and Ramoji Film City Vice President A.V. Rao.
At the outset, the Minister expressed his appreciation for being part of the summit and thanked the Chief Minister for convening an event of this scale with the objective of steering Telangana towards a $3 trillion economy by 2047.
He noted that the vision extended beyond economic indicators, aiming to strengthen the economy for the welfare and upliftment of all sections of society.
Recalling the sacrifices made during the movement for Telangana Statehood, Jupally Krishna Rao stressed that realising people’s aspirations would require sustained economic development, which, though challenging, was achievable through collective determination and strong leadership.
The Minister noted that Telangana possesses a wide range of tourism assets, including heritage monuments, historic forts, ancient temples, scenic landscapes, vibrant festivals, and celebrated art and craft traditions, yet public awareness remained limited. He encouraged citizens to explore the State’s heritage, historical, and natural attractions.
Jupally Krishna Rao highlighted the Government’s Free Bus Travel Scheme for Women, stating that it offered a significant opportunity for women to visit regional tourist destinations, enabling cultural understanding, social enrichment, and community participation.
The Minister stressed the need to strengthen tourism-related infrastructure, including accommodation ranging from luxury to budget stays, and roadside amenities to ensure that visitors could undertake multi-day travel comfortably. Investment in tourism, he said, had the potential to generate employment for youth and boost self-employment opportunities, benefiting the local economy.
Tracing Telangana’s cultural lineage from the Shatavahana period through the Kakatiya era, the Minister highlighted the State’s architectural heritage, including the Qutub Shahi Tombs, Kakatiya Kala Thoranam, and several monumental sites. He emphasised the cultural vibrancy reflected in Telangana’s festivals, arts, and crafts, such as handlooms and local artisan work, which supported small businesses and traditional livelihoods.
He also referred to the values of kindness and integrity associated with the people of Telangana, citing the works of poet Pothana as an embodiment of this ethos.
Looking ahead, the Minister stated that the Tourism Department aims for the sector to contribute 10% of Telangana’s GDP by 2047. The newly introduced tourism policy, he said, includes a wide range of incentives designed to attract private investment. The department is also engaged in converting key properties into revenue-generating tourism infrastructure, thereby expanding employment avenues and strengthening the economic ecosystem.
The Minister noted that the official Telangana Tourism website launched earlier serves as a comprehensive platform, consolidating information on transport, accommodation, safety features, and tourist attractions, ensuring a hassle-free experience for visitors.
Jupally Krishna Rao appealed to citizens, investors, and industry stakeholders to collectively promote Telangana’s tourism potential at national and international platforms, positioning the State as a culturally rich, welcoming, and future-ready global destination.
