The Tourism Committee of the Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI), Telangana Tourism, and the National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management (NITHM) are joining forces to host a landmark Half-Day Conference on “Building the Weekend Tourism Economy” on November 15, 2025, at NITHM, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, announced Prakash Ammanabolu and D. Ramchandram, Chairman and Co-chairman of the FTCCI Tourism Committee.
The conference, hosted in association with Telangana Chamber of Events Industry (TCEI) and Pragati Resorts, is India’s first-ever dedicated national dialogue on weekend tourism, designed to position Hyderabad as India’s Weekend Capital and empower local hospitality and tourism ecosystems.
Weekend Tourism: A New Growth Engine for Hospitality
Telangana offers a treasure trove of experiences within 150–250 km of Hyderabad — from heritage trails and scenic eco-retreats to luxury resorts and boutique stays. The conference will bring together hoteliers, resort owners, tour operators, travel influencers, event planners, and policymakers to explore strategies that transform weekend tourism into a sustainable, year-round economic driver.
“Every weekend can power a local economy,” said R. Ravi Kumar, President of FTCCI. “By cultivating a Weekend Tourism Economy, Telangana can drive sustainable tourism growth, support rural livelihoods, and enhance the quality of life for urban residents.”
Chief Guests and Key Speakers
The event will be inaugurated by Mr. Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, Government of Telangana, with Mr. GBK Rao, Chairman of Pragathi Resorts, as Guest of Honour. Prof. V. Venkata Ramana, Director, NITHM, highlighted the significance of the initiative, “This conference aligns with Telangana’s vision for sustainable tourism. By nurturing weekend travel circuits, we can create livelihood opportunities while promoting wellness, responsible exploration, and memorable guest experiences.”
Conference Highlights for the Hospitality Industry Sessions will cover:
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Keynote: Weekend Tourism – Fueling Urban Happiness & Rural Prosperity
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Panel Discussions: Mapping Weekend Circuits Around Hyderabad – Destinations, Packages & Experiences
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Infrastructure & Experience Design: Resorts, Transport, Safety & Eco-Tourism
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Interactive Sessions: Promoting Weekend Tourism – Marketing, Media & Millennials
Over 100 delegates are expected, including hospitality professionals, corporate HR teams, tourism students, and influencers. Discussions will focus on creating compelling weekend experiences, improving resort and hotel offerings, designing integrated travel packages, and using media and influencer marketing to attract short-break travelers.
Why Weekend Tourism Matters for Hospitality
Hyderabad is home to nearly 300 resorts and weekend getaways within a 150–200 km radius. A robust Weekend Tourism Economy can:
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Drive year-round occupancy and revenue for hotels and resorts.
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Strengthen local livelihoods by supporting guides, artisans, and small enterprises.
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Promote wellness, family bonding, and urban mental health.
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Reduce overcrowding at major tourist hubs by diverting visitors to smaller destinations.
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Inspire content creation and travel storytelling, enhancing Telangana’s brand.
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Encourage improvements in infrastructure, signage, and accessibility, benefiting trade and logistics.
Global Inspiration
Countries such as Japan, Spain, and Italy have successfully leveraged short-break tourism and micro-travel models to achieve rapid post-pandemic recovery in hospitality. Telangana aims to adopt these best practices to offer curated weekend experiences, combining wellness, culture, nature, and luxury stays.
“Urban citizens today seek short breaks for rejuvenation, family time, and wellness,” said the FTCCI Tourism Committee. “By making nearby destinations easily accessible and experiences memorable, Hyderabad can lead the way in India’s Weekend Tourism Economy.”
The conference promises to co-create a new narrative for Telangana, showcasing it as a model state for short-break tourism, resort experiences, and hospitality innovation.
