Hyderabad: Irrigation, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Capt N. Uttam Kumar Reddy on Saturday called tourism one of Telangana’s priority growth areas. He pledged full government support to credible private operators.
Speaking after inaugurating Southern Travels’ regional office at Ayodhya Junction, Lakdikapul, with Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, he said the Congress government aimed to expand the sector through strong partnerships. Southern Travels Managing Director Krishna Mohan joined the event.
Telangana’s 2025-2030 tourism policy goals
Uttam said the Telangana Tourism Policy 2025-2030, in force since March 17, targets the top five position in domestic and global tourist arrivals. The policy seeks ₹15,000 crore in fresh investments, three lakh new jobs and at least 10% GDP contribution from tourism in the next five years.
It promotes spiritual, heritage, cultural, adventure, medical, wellness and eco-tourism, backed by safe travel measures, infrastructure upgrades and 27 Special Tourism Areas. These zones will cover waterfalls, Buddhist circuits, spiritual hubs, heritage sites, eco-tourism parks, wellness centres and craft villages.
Major projects and international outreach
The Minister announced plans for iconic projects near Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, dry ports along the Regional Ring Road, and river-based tourism on the Godavari and Krishna. Urban waterfront leisure hubs, golf courses, adventure sports and river festivals are also planned.
He said the state will host familiarisation trips for domestic and overseas travel communities, especially from Southeast Asia, to attract more visitors.
Southern Travels partnership
Describing Southern Travels as a trusted brand in North India, Uttam said its Hyderabad presence would help promote destinations like Nagarjuna Sagar and Ramappa Temple. “With established operators like Southern Travels, we can raise visitor numbers, improve services and create jobs,” he said. “We will work together to make Telangana a leading tourism destination.”
