Telangana plans tourism push

Telangana, trying to make sure that tourists not only come to the state, but also have an extended stay, has several  projects in pipeline, including promotion of Hyderabad as an aviation hub. Announcement of infrastructure development worth more than `2,000 crores for the state capital is also likely to help the tourism sector indirectly.

Nisha Verma

Valmiki Hari Kishan, Chairman, Tourism Committee, Federation of Telangana Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI), claimed that Hyderabad and Telangana state at large are making sure that tourists not only come to the destination, but also have an extended stay.

Infrastructure development

Valmiki revealed that infrastructure development to the tune of more than `2,000 crores has been announced for Hyderabad by the Chief Minister. “All these are positive signs for the tourism trade. Despite the central and state governments not directly supporting tour operators and travel agents, the budget is being rolled out for infrastructure. Once infrastructure is developed, the tour operators and travel agents would also get benefited,” he pointed out.

Tourism Committee

Valmiki said that after being appointed as the Chairman of the Tourism Committee of FTCCI, it was he who organised the first Telangana Tourism Conclave with Global Panorama Showcase (GPS) in 2018, which was a huge hit. “Now, we are brainstorming its second edition in October or November,” he added.

Hyderabad hub

Valmiki claimed that Telangana is a tourist’s paradise. “Ramappa Temple, Pochampally village and Statue of Equality are well-known destinations. Tourist infrastructure in Telangana is growing at a rapid pace. Pilgrimage tourism to Telangana will grow rapidly too. Also, a lot of airlines started connecting to Hyderabad. Many domestic airlines have positioned Hyderabad as their southern hub, and we from the travel trade are requesting Air India and other airlines to consider Hyderabad as southern hub for international flights going out to the Middle East, Far East and even the Americas,” he said.

“Hyderabad is the place both for a common man to a luxury afficionado, with hotel rooms available from `500 going into lakhs per night. Hyderabad is a culinary paradise. It is a great MICE destination too. In terms of wedding destination, Ramoji Film City and many other venues make Telangana at par with the best,” he added.

He mentioned that Hyderabad would also be a hub for adventure tourism with a school coming up for paragliding, hot air balloons, and many other aero sports activities. “Even for medical tourism, Hyderabad is number two in India. Within India, it is among the top destinations when it comes to film shootings. There is also great opportunity for water sports in places like Hussain Sagar Lake and other water sports. Even for Buddhist Tourism, Hyderabad has its own history. The Buddha Vanam project is going to attract good numbers,” he informed.

Challenges

Unfortunately, said Valmiki, Telangana still has not released the tourism policy which they have been pushing for past few years. “However, the news has come that it will be released soon,” he said.

Putting things in order

Valmiki believes that despite OTAs taking away the maximum of tourism business, travellers still want to approach a professional travel agency. “However, OTAs can take only a certain segment of business, because when it comes to customisation or counselling, we need a person to be available 24/7,” he said.