The National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management (NITHM), jointly promoted by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and Government of Telangana under the aegis of the Youth Advancement, Tourism & Culture (YAT&C) Department, successfully organized a Tourism Conclave on “Destination Telangana – The Road Ahead” on Saturday, 23rd May 2026 at the NITHM Campus, Hyderabad.
The conclave brought together policymakers, tourism professionals, hospitality leaders, heritage experts, and stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for strengthening Telangana’s tourism ecosystem and positioning the state as a premier travel destination in India and the world.
The event commenced with participant registration, followed by a visit to the Telangana District Tourism Poster Exhibition in the Atrium, showcasing the diverse tourism potential of the state. Distinguished guests were welcomed to the campus and participated in a sapling plantation initiative, symbolizing sustainable development and environmental responsibility.
The inaugural session included welcome remarks and an introduction to the conclave by the Director of NITHM, followed by addresses from senior officials of the Telangana tourism sector, including the Managing Director of TGTDC, the Special Chief Secretary (YAT&C), Government of Telangana and Chairperson of NITHM, and the Chairman of TGTDC. A significant highlight of the session was the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and the launch of the Tourism “Brand Kit”, aimed at strengthening Telangana’s tourism identity and partnerships.
The Hon’ble Minister, Sri Jupally Krishna Rao, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the importance of tourism in economic development, heritage preservation, and employment generation. The inaugural session concluded with felicitation of guests and a vote of thanks.
The II session featured a CEO’s Panel Discussion on “Destination Telangana – Road Ahead”, chaired by Mr. Tharun Singh Chauhan. Eminent industry leaders from hospitality, travel, weddings, and tourism sectors discussed opportunities, challenges, destination branding, infrastructure, and collaborative strategies to boost Telangana’s tourism competitiveness.
Session III focused on the theme “Towards Preserving Heritage and Making Cities Tourist Friendly – Role of Stakeholders.” Chaired by Arjun Rao Kuthadi, the session featured insights from Jayesh Ranjan (Virtual), Special Chief Secretary, Hyderabad Metropolitan & Urban Development, Government of Telangana, and INTACH representative Er. Veda Kumar Manikonda. Discussions emphasized heritage conservation, urban planning, stakeholder participation, and sustainable city development to improve visitor experiences.
TThe concluding session addressed “Making Telangana the Hub for Green and Sustainable Tourism”, chaired by L. Ranjeet Nayak, Director, Department of Tourism & Executive Director, Forest Development Corporation. Industry experts from hospitality, eco-tourism, and experiential tourism sectors deliberated on sustainability practices, green tourism initiatives, and environmentally responsible tourism development.
The conclave concluded with a networking lunch at the NITHM Restaurant, reaffirming the commitment of stakeholders toward collaborative efforts in making Telangana a vibrant, sustainable, and globally recognized tourism destination.