Got a few hours at Hyderabad airport? Telangana Tourism plans quick city tours for transit flyers

Telangana Tourism offers quick city tours for transit passengers at Hyderabad airport, enhancing travel experiences during layovers.

Telangana Tourism is planning curated short-duration tourism experiences for transit passengers passing through Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA), with the aim of allowing travellers with a few spare hours between connecting flights to explore heritage sites and other attractions in the city before being dropped back at the airport for their onward journey.

Speaking to The Hindu, Telangana Tourism Development Corporation managing director Kranthi Valluru said the idea is to create flexible tourism packages that cater to travellers who may have only a few hours at their disposal. “Through a tourism kiosk at the airport, the passengers will be able to choose from a range of options depending on the time available, such as visiting a single location or covering multiple destinations within Hyderabad. The packages will include transport arrangements that ensure round trips, allowing travellers to return to the airport in time for their connecting flights,” she added.

The British Residency Building, situated in the Koti Women’s College premises, is a 216-year-old monument. | Photo Credit: RAMAKRISHNA G.

Connectivity, which had earlier been a challenge, is expected to improve with cab aggregators coming on board. Another initiative being rolled out is the training of Rapido drivers in tourism awareness. All Rapido captains in Hyderabad will undergo a virtual training course designed to equip them with basic knowledge about the city’s tourism offerings so that they can guide visitors during their rides.

“The initiatives together aim to integrate mobility, visitor engagement, and destination branding to strengthen Hyderabad and Telangana’s appeal to both domestic and international travellers,” Ms Valluru added.

She also outlined a broader strategy to brand Hyderabad and Telangana internationally through a three-pillar approach focusing on gastronomy, wellness, and pearls and shopping. She described the concept as a firm triangle with three focal points, noting that international tourism platforms often look for strong and well-defined narratives when selecting destinations to promote.