‘Hosting Miss World will put Telangana on the global tourism map’

Telangana gears up to host Miss World, showcasing state's heritage and tourism potential to a global audience.

As Telangana prepares to host the 72nd edition of Miss World from May 4 to 31, the event is expected to place the State on the global tourism map. Smita Sabharwal, Principal Secretary of Youth Advancement, Tourism and Culture, in an exclusive interview with Siddharth Kumar Singh shared insights on the significance of the event and its potential to showcase Telangana’s rich heritage and hospitality to the world.

Almost a month ago, the Miss World team reached out to us via email. Steve Douglas Morley from the Miss World Organisation, who is also part of the founding family, personally approached us. The discussions went through various phases, and it was evident from the start that they are deeply committed to promoting local culture. The reason I welcomed this proposal and engaged in multiple discussions was that I see this as a golden opportunity to promote Telangana tourism. With 140 countries participating and over 3,000 media partners covering the event for 28 days, it offers an unparalleled platform to showcase our state’s heritage and attractions.

We have incredible destinations that remain relatively unexplored. For instance, the Ramappa Temple, Yadagirigutta, Kawal Tiger Reserve, and Amrabad Tiger Reserve, all these sites offer diverse experiences, from temple tourism to eco-tourism. However, they haven’t been marketed extensively. My goal during this one-month-long event is to package and present Telangana’s rich cultural tapestry, including its cuisine, handlooms, and destinations. Another important aspect is ensuring that the spotlight isn’t just on Hyderabad but on other parts of Telangana as well. We are also in talks with the Railways to operate Vande Bharat trains during the event, making it easier for participants to explore different parts of the state.

We are working on thematic campaigns that align with the strengths of Telangana. For example, Hyderabad is one of the top destinations for medical tourism in the country, and with participants from 140 nations, we aim to highlight the city as a global healthcare hub. We are curating strategies to position Telangana effectively, similar to how the Indian Premier League (IPL) captures public imagination. Additionally, Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) is considered one of the best airports in the world. Throughout the event, we will use this as a promotional tool, highlighting proximity, how certain tourist spots are just an hour or two away from the airport, thus instilling confidence in international visitors.

Safety is a priority. We are ensuring a secure tourism ecosystem, including setting up a dedicated tourist police force. When we first met with the Miss World team, we invited them to visit the Telangana Police Integrated Command and Control Centre in Hyderabad. We showcased our surveillance and security mechanisms, which greatly reassured them about safety standards here.

It is premature to estimate the exact economic boost, but I can confidently say that the hospitality sector will see immense benefits, hotels, public transport, and tourism services will experience a surge. While this event is more of a branding initiative than a direct revenue generator, the long-term impact will be substantial. With participants from 140 countries, the global exposure will open doors for future tourism and investment. We are working with hotels and logistical partners to ensure they present their best services as they host an influx of international guests.

Typically, the Miss World Organisation operates on a 50-50 partnership model with the host state. We are still in discussions regarding the investment specifics, and finer details are being worked out.