Telangana Dy CM Bhatti directs officials to draw up action plan to boost Telangana tourism
Hyderabad, Sept 24 (TNT): TelanganaDeputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Bhatti Vikramarka on Thursday directed officials to prepare a comprehensive action plan to develop the tourism sector in Telangana and promote the State as a major national and international tourist destination.
He held a review meeting with senior officials of the Tourism and Culture departments at Praja Bhavan here in the presence of Tourism and Culture Minister Jupally Krishna Rao.
The meeting reviewed tourism projects, utilisation of departmental assets, budget allocations, private investments, heritage conservation and tourism branding.
Bhatti said tourism development should go beyond developing tourist destinations and focus on showcasing the Telangana brand globally.
He directed officials to increase investments, employment and revenue opportunities by encouraging private participation and developing projects under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
He asked officials to identify Tourism Department properties with existing buildings, vacant land and other development potential and prepare a list for PPP-based development.
Such assets should be developed to generate revenue and attract private investment, he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister called for integrated development of temple, eco and hill tourism and extensive branding of Telangana’s historical, cultural, spiritual and natural attractions.
He suggested developing special tourism circuits to encourage visitors to Hyderabad to travel to other parts of the State and asked officials to facilitate private investment in hotels, resorts and other tourism infrastructure.
On heritage conservation, Bhatti said the government would provide necessary support for protecting and developing historical sites, including Ramappa.
He called for a balance between government-led conservation and tourism development through private participation.
The meeting also reviewed the Telangana Darshini programme, under which students are taken to historical monuments, museums and major tourist destinations to familiarise them with the State’s history and cultural heritage.
Bhatti directed officials to identify hurdles to private investment in tourism, review lease policies and the financial viability of projects, and prepare proposals for necessary changes.
He also called for coordination among various departments and directed officials to implement the tourism action plan within the stipulated timelines.
Finance Principal Secretary Sandeep Kumar Sultania, Tourism Principal Secretary Vani, Finance Planning Secretary Gaurav Uppal, Finance Secretary Snigdha Patnaik and other senior officials attended the meeting.
TNT TS
