As the 72nd Miss World Festival draws to a spectacular close, Telangana stands poised at the threshold of a new era in global tourism.
Miss World Festival
As the world anticipates the grand finale of the 72nd Miss World Festival on May 31, the spotlight is firmly on Telangana - not only as the proud host of this prestigious event but also as a tourism powerhouse unveiling its cultural depth, infrastructural strength, and immersive experiences to a global audience. The state’s vision, driven by its Department of Tourism, has turned the Miss World Festival into more than a beauty pageant - into a milestone in India’s global tourism narrative.
As the world anticipates the grand finale of the 72nd Miss World Festival on May 31, the spotlight is firmly on Telangana - not only as the proud host of this prestigious event but also as a tourism powerhouse unveiling its cultural depth, infrastructural strength, and immersive experiences to a global audience. The state’s vision, driven by its Department of Tourism, has turned the Miss World Festival into more than a beauty pageant - into a milestone in India’s global tourism narrative.
“This festival gave us an extraordinary canvas to present Telangana’s tourism potential to the world,” says Mr. Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary, Tourism, Culture, and Sports Department, Government of Telangana. “We didn’t treat Miss World as just a glamorous event - we saw it as an international opportunity to show how unique and experience-rich Telangana is as a destination.”
A Cultural Canvas: Tourism at the Heart of the Festival
Since its launch on May 10, the 21-day Miss World Festival has unfolded as a curated celebration of Telangana’s most captivating tourism assets. Over 109 international delegates - including contestants, Miss World dignitaries, production crews, and media from across India and around the world - have been immersed in a meticulously crafted itinerary that highlights the state’s rich tapestry of history, spirituality, tradition, and modern innovation.
The majority of events have been held in Hyderabad. But beyond the capital, delegates have journeyed across at least 10 iconic sites that reflect the multifaceted nature of Telangana's tourism. These include architectural marvels from the Kakatiya dynasty, sacred temple towns such as Yadagirigutta and Hanamkonda’s Thousand Pillar Temple, and heritage clusters like Pochampally - a handloom town sustained over four to five generations. The picturesque Ramappa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the ancient banyan tree attraction at Pillalamarri were also part of the itinerary.
In Hyderabad, delegates explored iconic landmarks ranging from the Charminar to the opulent Chowmahalla Palace, delving into the city’s regal legacy shaped by the Qutb Shahis and Asaf Jahis. These heritage visits were seamlessly paired with contemporary experiences, including an in-depth look at Telangana’s thriving medical tourism sector. The itinerary also featured a tour of the state’s integrated police control room, showcasing cutting-edge, AI-driven public safety systems, and a visit to the newly inaugurated state Secretariat, where delegates gained insights into policy-led tourism development and the vital role of public-private partnerships.
“We’ve maximized every opportunity to highlight every possible aspect of tourism in Telangana-whether it’s monuments, modern infrastructure, safety systems, or sectoral innovation,” Mr. Ranjan notes.
Tourism-Ready: Infrastructure, Vision, and Capability
The glittering Hitex Exhibition Center, set to host the finale, represents more than an event venue - it symbolizes Telangana’s readiness to host large-scale global events with confidence and sophistication. But what makes Telangana truly tourism-ready is its full-fledged ecosystem: from seamless airport connectivity through Rajiv Gandhi International Airport and luxury hospitality offerings to intuitive logistics, curated food trails, and multilingual guides.
Behind the scenes, multiple departments worked in close coordination to ensure not just flawless execution, but an experience layered with warmth, authenticity, and storytelling.
“From logistics to warmth, Telangana delivered an experience,” says Mr. Ranjan. “We’ve demonstrated that our state can effortlessly host global travellers while giving them something deeply Indian, uniquely Telangana.”
Culture in Motion: A Living Tourism Experience
Telangana didn’t just show its culture - it let visitors live it. Miss World delegates participated in Bathukamma floral festivities, folk dance performances, traditional weaving demonstrations, tribal craft engagements, and vibrant culinary explorations. Every experience was designed to be immersive, not observational.
“Tourism today is about memories, not monuments,” Mr. Ranjan explains. “Our aim was to let visitors feel Telangana, not just see it. The way the contestants responded - dancing with locals, draping our sarees, offering prayers at temples, and spending time in villages - created powerful emotional connections.”
This culturally anchored approach has sparked worldwide interest. Social media buzz, viral reels, and visually compelling content shared by delegates and influencers have organically elevated Telangana’s global tourism profile.
Local artists, women’s self-help groups, and rural tourism clusters were integral to the program, reinforcing the state’s commitment to making tourism inclusive and economically empowering at the grassroots level.
A Timely Policy Push for Sustainable Tourism
Coinciding with the festival, the state recently launched its new Tourism Policy, aimed at accelerating private sector participation in building world-class infrastructure and experience-driven offerings.
“The timing of the festival and the launch of our new Tourism Policy has worked beautifully,” Mr. Ranjan shares. “The policy provides ample opportunities for private investors to create tourism infrastructure, experiences, and thematic circuits. It reflects the seriousness with which the state is prioritizing tourism as a high-impact economic sector.”
The delegates were also given a closer look at the state's tourism governance model - how public-private partnerships, institutional coordination, and technological integration are being used to drive growth in this sector.
A Global Tourism Chapter Begins
With international travel and hospitality brands now approaching Telangana for collaborations, and digital creators sharing compelling travel stories about the state, the ripple effect is just beginning. Telangana is now actively positioning itself as a premium tourism destination for heritage lovers, cultural seekers, wellness tourists, and event organizers alike.
“The tourism dividend from this festival will be long-term,” affirms Mr. Ranjan. “This is just the beginning. Telangana is ready to host international conventions, cultural festivals, eco-tourism trails, and luxury travel experiences. We are on the global map now - and we intend to stay there.”
From majestic fortresses and sacred temples to vibrant markets and immersive cultural rituals, Telangana has offered the world an unforgettable window into its soul. And as Mr. Jayesh Ranjan puts it, “Miss World helped the world discover us -but we are just getting started.”
As the 72nd Miss World Festival draws to a spectacular close, Telangana stands poised at the threshold of a new era in global tourism. “Telangana Tourism is ready to partner with the private sector and warmly invites leading e-commerce companies to create a vibrant retail window for our textiles, arts, and crafts,” affirms Mr. Jayesh Ranjan. This spirit of collaboration and innovation will not only enhance Telangana’s tourism footprint but also elevate its cultural legacy on the world stage - making it clear that Telangana’s journey has only just begun.
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