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Telangana is set to launch a new tourism policy (2025-30) to attract more international tourists. Despite its rich heritage, the state lags behind other southern states in tourist footfall. The policy focuses on creating Special Tourism Attraction Zones for immersive cultural experiences, expanding into medical, MICE, film, and wedding tourism.As Telangana gears up for a brand new tourism policy to coax international tourists to put the state's hot on their itineraries.What comes to mind when you think of tourism in India? The Taj Mahal in Agra, Rajasthan's palaces, or Goa's beaches? But what about Telangana? For most, the state doesn't feature beyond Hyderabad's Charminar, biryani, haleem, or Irani chai."In Telangana, there isn't much to see beyond Charminar, IT corridor and Ramoji Film City. Even in Hyderabad, cultural experiences are limited compared to other metros," that's what a tourist from Chennai had to say about Telangana tourism.Yet Telangana has much more to offer, from the UNESCO-recognised Ramappa Temple in Mulugu and the Thousand Pillar Temple in Hanamkonda, to Buddhist sites in Dharmapuri and the Bogatha waterfalls. These, among others, are what the Telangana Tourism Development Corporation (TGTDC) hopes to spotlight through its new Telangana Tourism Policy (2025-30).Despite its rich heritage, Telangana has been the least popular destination among southern states. In 2023, it recorded just over 1.6 lakh foreign tourists, compared to Karnataka's 4 lakh, Kerala's 6.5 lakh, Maharashtra's 34 lakh, and Tamil Nadu's much higher numbers. Officials admit the absence of a dedicated tourism policy until this year partly explains the low footfall.Abdul Majid Faheem, ex-chairman, Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI), said Telangana lags other states because the tourism sector here has so far been under-developed. "You look at the heritage monuments here, they are not well-maintained, nor are the tourist hotels. But if you look at other states that get a higher footfall, they have taken steps to ensure that tourism spots are well-taken care of," he said.Telangana govt officials attribute the low footfall to the lack of dedicated promotion and advertising and said the fo cus will now be on promoting the state's attractions and providing an immersive and enjoyable experience for visitors in the process."Until now, we have not put in any dedicated efforts to push tourism in the state. So many of the international tourists who visit places like the Taj Mahal in Agra and the palaces in Rajasthan and the beaches in Goa are unaware that Telangana has many tourist attractions too," said an official from the tourism department on condition of anonymity.What's in the store?With "experiential tourism" becoming popular, Telangana plans to create 8-10 Special Tourism Attraction Zones (STAs), scaling up to 27 later.The idea is to give visitors immersive cultural experiences rather than quick sightseeing."We want hotspots where tourists can spend a day or two, not just a few hours. That means adding activities beyond sightseeing," said Jayesh Ranjan, special chief secretary (FAC), department of tourism & culture.Citing Pochampally, known for its Ikat sarees, Ranjan suggested tourists could be shown weaving techniques, local food like 'dosakaya pachadi', vernacular architecture, and a textile museum. "For youngsters, we can add boating at the nearby lake or rock climbing at Bhuvanagiri," he added.Beyond conventional tourismThe state also plans to expand into medical tourism, MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions), film tourism, and wedding destinations."Many overseas patients come to Hyderabad for treatment and leave immediately. Through a medical tourism website, we want them and their caregivers to explore the city and culture while here. Similarly, business tourism brings the largest foreign footfall, and we want to expand on that," said Ranjan.For wedding tourism, Telangana aims to provide not just luxury venues but affordable ones too. "Destination weddings shouldn't remain exclusive to the wealthy. We want Telangana to be an 'it' destination for everyone," Ranjan said.On film tourism, he added, "We have some of India's most scenic attractions and advanced studios. We're inviting not just Bollywood but Hollywood as well."Other plans include heli-tourism, an artificial beach, eco-tourism projects, and revamping tourist hotels.A key initiative is personalised tourism packages. Unlike pre-fixed tours, visitors can choose their itinerary."Think of it like a restaurant menu -- tourists can pick experiences they want, instead of sticking to rigid schedules," Ranjan explained.Social media outreachRecognising the power of digital platforms, the govt plans to revamp its online presence. "We live in a digital age. We want dynamic tourism websites, strong promotion strategies, and engaging social media campaigns," Ranjan said.The department hopes to generate creative, crowdsourced content. During the recent Miss World event in Hyderabad, for instance, they created a video package capturing contestants' experiences across Telangana. "That's the kind of engaging storytelling we want for general tourists too," he added.TGTDC director Valluru Kranthi is confident the new push will transform the state's tourism sector."Our goal is to attract 10 crore domestic tourists and 10 lakh foreign visitors annually, raise the sector's GDP contribution above 10%, bring in more investments, and create over three lakh jobs in five years. With these initiatives, Telangana can enter India's top five tourism states," she said.
Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday instructed officials to formulate proposals for constructing an iconic Deep-Technology building in the capital city of Amaravati. "I had built Hi-Tech City structure in Hyderabad to promote information technology. Now, it is time to embrace Deep-Tech and Artificial Intelligence to take advantage of the opportunities arising out of the latest technology," he underlined while reviewing the New IT Policy at the state secretariat. The Chief Minister announced that the state government will provide Rs 25 lakh as seed fundin ...Read More >
Keerthy Suresh's post comes shortly after several reports claimed the couple will marry on December 11 at a destination wedding in Goa On Wednesday, the actress took to her Instagram handle and shared her first-ever picture with Antony alongside a heartfelt note. Sharing the photo, the actress wrote in the caption, "15 years and counting It has always been..AntoNY x KEerthy ( Iykyk)." In the photo, taken during Diwali, Antony Thattil is seen holding up a firecracker, lighting it as he raised it high. Keerthy stood beside him, her hand resting on his shoulder, as both of them gazed at the sky ...Read More >
Kareena Kapoor Khan brought a deeply personal and touching element to her meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi by requesting him to write a heartfelt message for her two sons, Taimur Ali Khan and Jeh Ali Khan, who were unable to attend the event. A memorable highlight from the gathering showcased Kareena watching intently, her expression radiating pride and warmth, as the Prime Minister inscribed a note dedicated to her children, affectionately called "Tim and Jeh."Kareena Kapoor Khan added ...Read More >
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], December 11 (ANI): A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) delegation, led by senior leaders, met Himachal Pradesh Governor Pratap Shukla recently to submit a comprehensive 106-page memorandum titled "Kachcha Chittha". The document, which alleges rampant corruption and administrative failures in the two years of Congress rule under Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, aims to hold the state government accountable for what the BJP describes as a period of "unprecedented mismanagement and destruction." Speaking to the media after meeting the Governor, Himachal Prade ...Read More >
Mumbai: Nayanthara, popularly known as the Lady Superstar of Indian cinema, recently addressed her decision to debut in Bollywood with Shah Rukh Khan's blockbuster Jawan. While fans were disappointed with her limited screen time in the film, Nayanthara revealed her reasons for taking on the role during an interview with the Hollywood Reporter. "I did Jawan only because I love Shah Rukh sir," Nayanthara confessed, crediting the Bollywood superstar for encouraging her to step into Hindi cinema. She shared how Khan personally reached out to ease her concerns about making her Bollywood debut, ass ...Read More >
Telangana has launched a weekend tour package connecting Hyderabad, Warangal, and the UNESCO-recognized Ramappa Temple. Departing from Hyderabad every Saturday and Sunday, the tour offers a full-day exploration of spiritual and historical landmarks, including Bhadrakali Temple, Padmakshi Temple, Thousand Pillar Temple, and the stunning Ramappa Temple. Priced at ₹2,800 for adults and ₹2,240 for children, this affordable package showcases Telangana's rich heritage. The 13th-century Ramappa Temple, known for its architectural innovation and intricate carvings, is a masterpiece of Kakatiya craftsm ...Read More >
Meet Venkata Datta, Hyderabad techie, who is set to marry badminton star PV Sindhu The KYC Bubble: How digital ID's could trigger a global collapse 5 reasons why Allu Arjun will become biggest pan-India star with Pushpa 2: The Rule This is world's weirdest hotel where guests stay to get insulted, pay Rs 20000 room rent, it is located in... Vikrant Massey breaks silence on his 'retirement' announcement, says his post was misread: 'I'm not...' After breakup with Arjun Kapoor, Malaika Arora does 'Nain Matakka' with another actor, netizens react Naga Chaitanya-Sobhita Dhulipala wedding: Allu ...Read More >
Infosys has announced an average 85% performance bonus for eligible employees in Q2 FY25, reflecting its strong financial performance. The bonus, paid to mid- and junior-level staff, will be credited with the November salaries, with individual payouts varying based on performance. This follows Infosys' impressive 4.7% rise in Q2 net profit and a revenue increase of 5.1%, leading to an upward revision of its FY25 revenue guidance. The bonus payout surpasses the previous quarter's 80%, with Infosys outpacing rivals like TCS. Employees are also awaiting salary hikes, with revisions expected from ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 4 (ANI): The GSEC in Hyderabad will be the first of its kind in the APAC region after Tokyo and only the fifth globally, with similar facilities in Dublin, Munich, and Malaga, according to a statement. This GSEC is a specialised international cybersecurity hub designed to play a crucial role in developing advanced security and online safety products tailored for the Indian context. The centre will focus on cutting-edge research, AI-driven security solutions, and creating a collaborative platform for leading experts and researchers in cybersecurity. It also aims to ...Read More >
Bihar's infrastructure has seen a 15-fold increase in data consumption over the past five years. Road density is now the third highest in India, electricity generation has increased tenfold, and IT parks and data centers are being developed. Numerous bridges and expanded rail lines are improving connectivity and boosting trade.Bihar has seen a 15-fold jump in data consumption in the last five years as the state goes big on developing infrastructure, investing in connectivity and building rail and ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 26 (VOICE) India in 2024 saw a boom in employment rates, with women and youth leading the charge in workforce participation, according to a report.The report by Apna.co, a job and professional networking platform, showed women contributed an impressive 2.8 crore job applications -- 20 per cent higher than in 2023. Similarly, the youth posted a 27 per cent year-on-year increase in job applications. Women contributed an impressive 2.8 crore job applications out of a total of 7 crore, a 25 per cent year-on-year surge, in 2024. Flexible work opportunities, gender-focused initiativ ...Read More >
Mumbai, February 7: Jeet Adani, the younger son of industrial magnate Gautam Adani, is marrying Diva Shah today, February 7, in a private and traditional ceremony. The couple, who has been engaged for a while, drew attention to their wedding when Gautam Adani confirmed the Jeet Adani-Diva Shah wedding date during his visit to Maha Kumbh 2025. Though rumours circulated about a performance by global music star Taylor Swift at Jeet Adani-Diva Shah wedding, Gautam Adani dismissed the speculation, emphasising that the wedding would be modest and traditional. "We live like ordinary people, and the ...Read More >
In a miraculous turn of events, a seven-year-old boy who was kidnapped from Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad district more than 30 years ago has reunited with his family. IMAGE: Raju was kidnapped when he was seven-year-old from Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad district. Photograph: ANI Now 38, Raju shared his ordeal and said that after being abducted in September 1993, he was handed over to a truck driver who took him to Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. "The kidnappers kept me in a room located in the middle of a barren area, where I was forced to take care of sheep and goats. Each night, I was chained and locke ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 2: Dosti Realty, a leading brand in the real estate sector recognised for delivering exceptional residential experiences and premium lifestyle projects across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region has announced the "Good Buy 2024" campaign for aspiring homeowners. An ideal way to bid farewell to the year, the Dosti Realty campaign is designed to resonate with the spirit of the year-end, inspiring homebuyers to make meaningful investments that shape their future. Also Read | Farmers Protest: Massive Congestion at Delhi-Noida Border as Police Set Up Barricades Ah ...Read More >
IMAGE: Vikrant Massey in The Sabarmati Express. At 46, Quentin Tarantino said he would quit Hollywood at the age of 60 after he directs his 10th movie, reasoning he wouldn't want to linger on past his prime. He's 61 now and still deciding on the script of his much-hyped grand finale. Academy-award winner Daniel Day Lewis announced he would hang his boots in 2017 only to make an exception, seven years later for son Ronan's direction, Anemone. Back home, Vikrant Massey is grabbing headlines by his sudden decision to retire from films. 'Coming 2025, we would meet each other for one last time ...Read More >
The TOI Entertainment Desk is a dynamic and dedicated team of journalists, working tirelessly to bring the pulse of the entertainment world straight to the readers of The Times of India. No red carpet goes unrolled, no stage goes dark - our team spans the globe, bringing you the latest scoops and insider insights from Bollywood to Hollywood, and every entertainment hotspot in between. We don't just report; we tell tales of stardom and stories untold. Whether it's the rise of a new sensation or the seasoned journey of an industry veteran, the TOI Entertainment Desk is your front-row seat to the ...Read More >
This is a celebration of everyone who worked so passionately on the film, says the celebrated director. History was made as Payal Kapadia became the first Indian director to have won a Golden Globe nomination for Best Director. Her much talked about movie, 'All We Imagine as Light' has won two GG nominations in total. One for Best Director and the other for Best Motion Picture (Non-English). The two prestigious nominations at the 82nd Golden Globes mark a milestone in Indian cinema. After Canne ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 13 (PTI) Subscribers of the retirement fund body EPFO may soon be able to withdraw money from their accounts through ATMs, a top official said. Union Labour Secretary Sumita Dawra has reportedly stated in a media report that the labour ministry is upgrading information technology infrastructure to provide enhanced services to the Indian workforce. She further said that claimants, beneficiaries or insured individuals will be able to access their claims through an ATM. According to the media report, the withdrawal will be capped at 50 per cent of the Employees' Provident Fund ( ...Read More >
Bollywood star Salman Khan shares a strong bond with Arpita, his youngest sister. In a new interview, she opened up about the mass hero's food choices and revealed that he has developed his own special dish. Salman Khan is one of the biggest names in the film industry. The mass hero enjoys a huge fan following because of his larger-than-life reel image and engaging performances. He is also considered to be a family man. In a recent interview, his sister Aprita opened up about her bond with 'Bhai ...Read More >
Bhopal, Dec 18 (PTI) Congress MLAs demonstrated on Wednesday in the Madhya Pradesh assembly premises by holding kettles and tea cups alleging rising unemployment in the state. The MLAs held placards accusing the state government of forcing youngsters to sell tea by depriving them of jobs. Also Read | 'Mukadma, Mulzim, Ilzam, Ittila, Chashmdeed': BJP Government in Rajasthan To Replace Urdu Terms in Policing With Hindi Words. "Unemployment is growing in MP. Youths will have no option but to sell tea in such a situation," the leader of the opposition Umang Singhar, who led the protest on the t ...Read More >
Mumbai: Salman Khan aka Bhaijaan is known not just for his superstar status, but also for his deep-rooted love and loyalty towards his family. Despite having an estimated net worth of over Rs 2900 crore, Salman still chooses to live in his modest 1BHK flat in Bandra, all to stay close to his parents. "I love staying at my flat in Bandra over a big, luxurious bungalow because my parents live in the flat above mine. Ever since I was a child, I have taken the same left turn or right turn, and I wouldn't have it any other way," Salman once shared. And now, a viral Reddit post has fans buzzing wi ...Read More >
HYDERABAD, India, Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- IBSAT 2024, the proctored online aptitude test conducted by The ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education, is MBA aspirants' gateway to premier MBA, PGPM offered at nine ICFAI Business School (IBS) campuses. With applications closing in the third week of December, this is the perfect time for the candidates to secure their future with IBS and explore its Rs. 10 crore scholarship program. IBSAT is designed to reduce the stress on aspirants unlike CAT, XAT as the test does not have negative markings or sectional time limits, allowing candidates to foc ...Read More >
The TOI Entertainment Desk is a dynamic and dedicated team of journalists, working tirelessly to bring the pulse of the entertainment world straight to the readers of The Times of India. No red carpet goes unrolled, no stage goes dark - our team spans the globe, bringing you the latest scoops and insider insights from Bollywood to Hollywood, and every entertainment hotspot in between. We don't just report; we tell tales of stardom and stories untold. Whether it's the rise of a new sensation or the seasoned journey of an industry veteran, the TOI Entertainment Desk is your front-row seat to the ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 15 (ANI): Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region is set to host the Northeast Trade and Investment Roadshow in Mumbai on Monday. The event will be addressed by Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Union Minister for MDoNER, along with Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, Maeghalya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma. Chanchal Kumar, Secretary, MDoNER, and Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary, MDoNER, will also attend, alongwith senior representatives from various northeast states. The Roadshow will feature B2G meetings, offering a unique opportunity for potential investors to inte ...Read More >
West Bengal [India], February 5 (ANI): At the 8th edition of the Bengal Global Business Summit 2025, Bhutanese Minister Younten Phuntsho emphasised the importance of the summit as a platform for strengthening the collaboration between India and Bhutan. Addressing the audience, he said, "For Bhutan, this summit is an opportunity to further deepen our (India-Bhutan) collaboration and identify strategic areas where our shared aspirations align. There are several key areas where we can forge even stronger partnership - first is tourism, we invite investors to explore opportunities in wellness tou ...Read More >
Madhya Pradesh has received the "Best Tourism State of the Year" award at the Travel and Tourism Conclave in New Delhi. The state's tourism department has been recognized for its efforts in improving infrastructure, enhancing accessibility, and promoting its cultural and natural attractions, aiming to establish it as a leading global tourist destination. Read less Great news for Madhya Pradesh! The beautiful destination has been honored with the prestigious "Best Tourism State of the Year" award at the Travel and Tourism Conclave and Awards in New Delhi. This is an impressive award in the tou ...Read More >
Hyderabad: Undeterred by the backlash over land acquisition for his Pharma Village project in Lagacherla, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has unveiled plans for another ambitious project -- the "Future City." He aims to acquire 30,000 acres of land to establish a world-class urban development that he claims will rival global cities like New York, Tokyo, and Singapore. Speaking at the MAUD Vijayotsavalu on Monday, Reddy revealed that 15,000 acres of land had already been identified in Mucherla, Begarikancha, and neighboring areas. He proposed using an additional 15,000 acres of forest ...Read More >
Aaliyah Kashyap and Shane Gregoire's wedding celebrations kicked off with their Haldi ceremony on December 8. Aaliyah's close friend, Khushi Kapoor, shared her stunning yellow pre-draped saree look from the event, which cost ₹23,300. Anurag Kashyap's daughter Aaliyah Kashyap and her fiancé Shane Gregoire's wedding celebrations have begun. On December 8, the couple held their Haldi ceremony, which was attended by Aaliyah's close friends, including Khushi Kapoor and Vedang Raina. Scroll down to ...Read More >
After comedian Sunil Pal, actor Mushtaq Khan revealed that he was kidnapped. After the news broke and the actor's statement went viral, people on the internet began to wonder if this kidnapping is a new trend or a marketing stratergy. After comedian Sunil Pail, Welcome actor Mushtaq Khan was kidnapped recently under the false pretense of being invited to an event. Mushtaq was invited to an award show in Meerut on November 20, according to his business colleague Shivam Yadav. He even received an ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Police arrested four gang members for kidnapping actor Mushtaq Mohammad Khan from Delhi airport and holding him captive in Uttar Pradesh's Bijnor, while demanding ransom. Officials revealed that the criminals had also planned to kidnap veteran actor Shakti Kapoor by inviting him to a purported event. Bijnor superintendent of police Abhishek Jha disclosed on Saturday that event manager Shivam Yadav lodged a complaint on December 9. The complaint said that on October 15, Lavi, also kno ...Read More >