Telangana Mulls Tourism Coupons For Hyderabad IT Workforce

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka has asked Tourism Minister Jupally Krishna Rao and officials to consult CEOs of leading IT companies and tourism project operators on special tourism programmes and coupons for software professionals in Telangana.

The proposal was outlined during the World Tourism Day 2026 celebrations at Shilparamam on Saturday, where Mr. Bhatti said Hyderabad’s large IT workforce could be encouraged to travel to different parts of the State during weekends.

Weekend travel push for Hyderabad’s IT workforce

The government is considering ‘Tourism Coupons’ as a way to encourage software employees in Hyderabad to explore destinations across Telangana.

Mr. Bhatti said such weekend travel could help promote lesser-known destinations while creating a new domestic tourism market within the State.

The idea is being considered as part of a wider government effort to transform Telangana into a major tourism destination through digital technology, Artificial Intelligence and private investment.

The proposal also links the State’s large urban IT workforce with the government’s plan to broaden tourism activity across Telangana, rather than limiting attention to already established destinations.

AI and digital tools in tourism strategy

The World Tourism Day theme this year was ‘Digital Agenda: Reimagining Tourism with Artificial Intelligence’.

Referring to that theme, Mr. Bhatti called for greater use of AI and digital technology to take Telangana tourism to the international level.

He also said these tools should help establish a distinct identity for Telangana on the global tourism map.

The government’s emphasis on AI, digital technology and private investment was presented as part of the larger tourism push now being discussed in the State.

Investment target raised to ₹50,000 crore

Tourism and Culture Minister Jupally Krishna Rao said the Government was now working towards attracting ₹50,000 crore in tourism investments.

He said the Government was also aiming to create 5 lakh employment opportunities in the State through the tourism sector.

Under the Telangana Tourism Policy 2025-30, the State had initially targeted ₹15,000 crore in investments.

Following the Chief Minister’s direction, the Government had raised its ambition to ₹50,000 crore, Mr. Krishna Rao said.

The revised target shows the scale at which the Government now wants tourism to contribute to investment and jobs in Telangana.

27 Special Tourism Areas planned

The government is also seeking to broaden the tourism map by developing 27 Special Tourism Areas identified under the Telangana Tourism Policy.

Tourism Department Special Chief Secretary Vani Prasad said tourism should not be viewed merely as a service sector.

She said tourism should also be seen as a development and economic engine capable of generating employment at the community level.

Ms. Prasad said this employment potential ranged from tourist guides to large investment projects.

Her remarks placed the 27 Special Tourism Areas within a broader approach in which tourism infrastructure, local employment and investment are treated together.

Living culture as part of Telangana’s identity

Ms. Prasad also stressed the importance of living culture and arts in defining Telangana’s identity.

She said a monument or structure alone did not constitute the State’s tourism identity.

According to her, Telangana’s people and living culture form an important part of its heritage.

Telangana Tourism Development Corporation Managing Director P. Gouthami said Telangana should be promoted as ‘one State with many experiences’.

She pointed to the range of tourism offerings available across the State while making that case.

These offerings include Buddhist tourism, waterfalls, rivers, wellness tourism, medical value tourism, weddings and conventions, film and cinema-related tourism, eco-tourism and adventure experiences.

TGTDC services and private partnerships

Ms. Gouthami said the TGTDC operates restaurants across the State and boating facilities at around 99 locations.

She said there were plans to expand these restaurants and boating facilities further.

TGTDC also operates transport services and offers tourism packages.

The Corporation conducts fairs and festivals and runs sound-and-light shows at tourism destinations.

Ms. Gouthami said the Corporation is seeking private partners to modernise its operations.

She said private players would develop new projects and upgrade existing facilities.

They would also introduce floating restaurants and houseboats at selected destinations, including Somasila, she added.

Together, the proposed coupons for software professionals, the investment target, the 27 Special Tourism Areas and the private partnership plans indicate how the Government is trying to connect demand generation, destination development and tourism infrastructure within Telangana.

The report was published on September 26, 2026, at 10:21 pm IST.

Source: The Hindu