Telangana plans ‘tourism coupons’ to get Hyderabad IT professionals travelling on weekends

Hyderabad’s IT professionals could soon have a new reason to step out of the city on weekends, with the Telangana government considering ‘Tourism Coupons’ to encourage software employees to explore destinations across the State.

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka asked Tourism Minister Jupally Krishna Rao and officials to hold discussions with CEOs of leading IT companies and tourism project operators and explore the possibility of introducing special tourism programmes and coupons for software professionals.

Speaking at the World Tourism Day 2026 celebrations at Shilparamam on Saturday, Mr. Bhatti said Hyderabad’s large IT workforce could be encouraged to travel to different parts of Telangana during weekends, helping promote lesser-known destinations while creating a new domestic tourism market within the State.

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and Tourism, Culture and Excise Minister Jupally Krishna Rao launching the poster of ‘My Telangana, My Story, My destination – Digital Media Engagement campaign’ on the World Tourism Day 2026 at Shilparamam in Hyderabad on Saturday.
| Photo Credit:
SIDDHANT THAKUR

The proposal was part of a larger push by the government to use digital technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and private investment to transform Telangana into a major tourism destination. With this year’s World Tourism Day themed ‘Digital Agenda: Reimagining Tourism with Artificial Intelligence’, Mr. Bhatti called for greater use of AI and digital technology to take Telangana tourism to the international level and establish a distinct identity for the State on the global tourism map.

₹50,000 crore tourism investment target

Tourism and Culture Minister Jupally Krishna Rao said the Government was now working towards attracting ₹50,000 crore in tourism investments and creating 5 lakh employment opportunities in the State. 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, he said.

27 Special Tourism Areas

The government is also seeking to broaden the tourism map beyond a handful of established destinations by developing 27 Special Tourism Areas identified under the Telangana Tourism Policy. Tourism Department Special Chief Secretary Vani Prasad said tourism should be viewed not merely as a service sector but also as a development and economic engine capable of generating employment at the community level, from tourist guides to large investment projects.

She also stressed the importance of living culture and arts in defining Telangana’s identity. A monument or structure alone, she said, did not constitute the State’s tourism identity, with its people and living culture forming an important part of its heritage.

Telangana Tourism Development Corporation (TGTDC) Managing Director P. Gouthami said Telangana should be promoted as ‘one State with many experiences’, pointing to the range of tourism offerings available across the State. These include Buddhist tourism, waterfalls, rivers, wellness tourism, medical value tourism, weddings and conventions, film and cinema-related tourism, eco-tourism and adventure experiences.

Ms. Gouthami said the TGTDC operates restaurants across the State and boating facilities at around 99 locations, with plans to expand them further. TGTDC also operates transport services, offers tourism packages, conducts fairs and festivals and runs sound-and-light shows at tourism destinations. The Corporation is seeking private partners to modernise its operations, she said. Private players would develop new projects, upgrade existing facilities and introduce floating restaurants and houseboats at selected destinations, including Somasila, she added.