Telangana Tourism Highlights India’s Rich Heritage and Sustainable Travel Vision at World Travel Market London 2025 – Travel And Tour World

Report on Telangana Tourism’s Participation at World Travel Market London 2025

1.0 Introduction and Strategic Objectives

This report details the participation of Telangana Tourism at the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2025, held at ExCeL London. The delegation, led by senior officials including Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary of Telangana Tourism, and Valluru Kranthi, Managing Director of the Telangana Tourism Development Corporation (TGTDC), aimed to position the state as a premier global destination for sustainable and responsible travel. The inauguration of the pavilion by Karthik Pande, Deputy High Commissioner of India in London, underscored the strategic importance of the event for bilateral tourism relations.

The core objectives of Telangana’s participation were directly aligned with the event’s theme, “Reinventing Travel in a Changing World,” and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

• To showcase Telangana’s unique blend of cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and modern innovation.
• To promote the state’s new tourism policy, which prioritizes sustainability, community engagement, and inclusive economic growth.
• To establish strategic partnerships with international tourism operators, media, and investors.
• To reinforce India’s commitment to a responsible tourism framework that contributes to global sustainability targets.

2.0 Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Telangana’s tourism strategy, as presented at WTM London 2025, demonstrated a profound commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals. The state’s new policy framework is structured to advance several key SDGs through targeted tourism initiatives.

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The policy promotes community-based tourism models that empower local populations, support artisans, and ensure that economic benefits from tourism are distributed equitably, particularly in rural and heritage-rich areas.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – A central focus is the preservation and promotion of cultural and natural heritage, including sites like the Charminar and Golconda Fort. This contributes to making human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable by safeguarding invaluable cultural assets.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Telangana is actively developing sustainable tourism products, such as eco-resorts and rural tourism circuits. These initiatives are designed to minimize the environmental footprint of tourism and promote sustainable practices among both providers and consumers.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The engagement with 24 international organizations at WTM exemplifies the state’s proactive approach to building global partnerships to achieve its sustainable tourism objectives and enhance India-UK collaboration.

3.0 Policy Framework and Global Recognition

A key focus of the presentation was Telangana’s new tourism policy. This framework was highlighted as a progressive model for integrating sustainability into state-level economic planning. The policy’s emphasis on transparent governance and a multi-stakeholder approach was commended by international delegates.

Key Pillars of the Tourism Policy:

• Community Participation: Ensuring local communities are active participants and primary beneficiaries of tourism development.
• Environmental Conservation: Implementing green tourism practices and developing infrastructure with minimal ecological impact.
• Inclusive Development: Creating opportunities for marginalized groups and promoting niche sectors like wellness and medical tourism to diversify economic benefits.

4.0 Strategic Outcomes and International Engagement

Telangana’s participation at WTM London 2025 yielded significant results, enhancing the state’s global visibility and creating tangible opportunities for collaboration. The proactive engagement with global stakeholders is expected to translate into increased investment and tourist arrivals.

Summary of Outcomes:

• International Interest: Formal interest was registered from 24 international organizations, including tour operators, travel media, and companies specializing in medical and wellness tourism.
• Collaborative Opportunities: Discussions initiated at the event have opened pathways for developing joint heritage circuits, wellness packages, and other niche travel experiences for the European market.
• Bilateral Relations: The state’s presence strengthened India-UK tourism ties, promoting cultural diplomacy and fostering economic partnerships in the hospitality and travel sectors.

5.0 Conclusion

Telangana Tourism’s showcase at World Travel Market London 2025 successfully positioned the state as a forward-thinking and responsible tourism destination. By embedding the Sustainable Development Goals into its core strategy and policy, Telangana presented a compelling model for balancing economic growth with cultural preservation and environmental stewardship. The positive reception and concrete interest from international partners affirm the effectiveness of this approach and mark a significant advancement for both Telangana’s and India’s global tourism profile.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

   The article on Telangana Tourism’s participation at the World Travel Market London 2025 highlights several issues that connect directly to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The primary focus on sustainable tourism, heritage preservation, community engagement, and international partnerships links the discussion to the following SDGs:

   • SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The article emphasizes creating a “resilient and inclusive travel economy” and ensuring “tourism revenue benefits local communities.” This aligns with SDG 8’s goal of promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth.
   • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: There is a strong focus on preserving cultural and natural heritage. The article mentions showcasing attractions like “the majestic Charminar and Golconda Fort” and “ancient temples,” and a commitment to “preserving its cultural roots,” which is a core component of making human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
   • SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: The theme of the event, “Reinventing Travel in a Changing World,” and Telangana’s focus on “sustainability,” “eco-friendly initiatives,” “green tourism practices,” and “reducing the environmental footprint” directly address the need for sustainable consumption and production patterns within the tourism industry.
   • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The article repeatedly underscores the importance of collaboration. It mentions “building strong partnerships with global tourism boards,” “international collaboration,” “joint initiatives in tourism development,” and strengthening “India–UK Travel Collaboration,” all of which are central to SDG 17.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

   Based on the specific initiatives and policies mentioned, the following SDG targets can be identified:

   • SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

     • Target 8.9: “By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.” The article explicitly states that Telangana has a “new tourism policy” that focuses on “community participation,” “sustainable growth,” and supporting “local artisans through cultural circuits,” which directly corresponds to this target.

   • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

     • Target 11.4: “Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.” Telangana’s showcase of its “historical richness,” “architectural brilliance,” and efforts in “heritage preservation” for sites like Charminar, Golconda Fort, and ancient temples are direct actions towards achieving this target.

   • SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

     • Target 12.b: “Develop and implement tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for sustainable tourism…” Telangana’s “new tourism policy” which emphasizes “eco-friendly initiatives” and “green tourism practices” serves as the primary tool for implementing and promoting sustainable tourism, aligning with the objective of this target.

   • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

     • Target 17.17: “Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships…” The article highlights that Telangana’s participation led to “significant interest received from 24 international organisations,” opened “avenues for future collaborations,” and aimed to build “strong partnerships with global tourism boards, industry stakeholders, and travel influencers.” This demonstrates a clear effort to foster multi-stakeholder partnerships.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

   The article, while not providing quantitative data, implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress:

   • For Target 8.9 & 12.b:

     • Indicator: The development and official implementation of a national or regional sustainable tourism strategy. The article explicitly mentions the “unveiling of Telangana’s new tourism policy” which focuses on “sustainability, and inclusive economic development,” serving as a direct indicator of progress.

   • For Target 11.4:

     • Indicator: Total expenditure (public and private) per capita spent on the preservation, protection, and conservation of all cultural and natural heritage. While no figures are given, the state’s focus on showcasing and preserving its heritage sites implies that dedicated resources are being allocated for this purpose, which could be measured.

   • For Target 17.17:

     • Indicator: The number of international partnerships and collaborative agreements. The article mentions “significant interest received from 24 international organisations” and the goal of establishing “joint initiatives.” The successful conversion of this interest into formal partnerships would be a key performance indicator.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article. In this table, list the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), their corresponding targets, and the specific indicators identified in the article.

   SDGs	Targets	Indicators
   SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth	Target 8.9: Devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.	The existence and implementation of Telangana’s “new tourism policy” focused on community participation and sustainable growth.
   SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities	Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.	Implied investment and strategic focus on the preservation of cultural and natural heritage sites like Charminar, Golconda Fort, and forest retreats.
   SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production	Target 12.b: Develop and implement tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for sustainable tourism.	The state’s tourism policy framework that integrates “green tourism practices” and “eco-friendly initiatives” to reduce the environmental footprint.
   SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals	Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.	The number of partnerships and collaborations formed, as indicated by the “significant interest received from 24 international organisations” and the aim for “joint initiatives.”

Source: travelandtourworld.com