The Tourism Committee of the Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI), Tourism Department, Government of Telangana, National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management (NITHM) join hands to host a Half-Day Conference on “Building the Weekend Tourism Economy” on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at NITHM, Gachibowli, Hyderabad disclosed Prakash Ammanabolu and D. Ramchandram, Chairman and Co-chairman of the Tourism Committee of FTCCI in a press note issued in the city today. It will be hosted in association with Telangana Chamber of Events Industry (TCEI) and Pragati Resorts.
This is India’s first-ever full-scale conference dedicated exclusively to the Weekend Tourism Economy. While the Incredible India Tourism Investors Summit, held last year, encouraged the identification of weekend circuits around metros, this conference represents the first structured, national-level dialogue on the subject.
The conference is a pioneering effort to view weekend tourism not merely as leisure, but as a new economic model for sustainable growth. It brings together government, industry, academia, media, and influencers in a 360° ecosystem approach, with a vision to position Hyderabad as India’s Weekend Capital.
Telangana’s strategic location, well-connected infrastructure, and scenic destinations within 150–250 km — from heritage sites to eco-retreats — make it the ideal pilot state for developing Weekend Tourism Circuits.
“Every weekend can power a local economy,” said R. Ravi Kumar, President of FTCCI. “By cultivating a Weekend Tourism Economy, Telangana can lead India toward sustainable tourism growth, stronger rural livelihoods, and improved quality of life for urban citizens.”
Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary to the Government of Telangana (Industries, Commerce & Information Technology), has consented to be the Chief Guest and will inaugurate the conference and deliver the keynote address. Mr GBK Rao, Chairman of Pragathi Resorts, which is supporting the curation of the conference, will be the Guest of Honour.
Prof. V. Venkata Ramana, Director, NITHM, said “This conference is a timely initiative that aligns with Telangana’s vision of sustainable tourism. By nurturing weekend travel circuits, we can create new livelihood opportunities while promoting wellness and responsible exploration.”
The sessions will include Keynote on Weekend Tourism – Fueling Urban Happiness & Rural Prosperity, Panel Discussion and sessions on Mapping Weekend Circuits Around Hyderabad – Destinations, Packages & Experiences, Building Infrastructure & Experiences – Resorts, Transport, Safety & Eco-Tourism. Anteractive Session: Promoting Weekend Tourism – Marketing, Media & Millennials is also planned.
Over 100 delegates are expected, including hoteliers, resort owners, tour operators, corporate HR professionals, event planners, travel influencers, bloggers, government officials, and tourism students.
In a radius of 150–200 km, Hyderabad is home to nearly 300 resorts and weekend getaways. Building a Weekend Tourism Economy will create new growth engines for the tourism sector. It will convert tourism from a seasonal activity to a year-round economic engine. It strengthens local livelihoods and rural economies by supporting artisans, guides, and small entrepreneurs. It promotes wellness, family bonding, and mental health among urban citizens. It helps to reduce overcrowding at major tourist hubs by dispersing demand to smaller destinations. It inspires content creation and civic pride — as every traveller becomes a storyteller promoting Telangana’s beauty. And encourage infrastructure, signage, and accessibility improvements that benefit trade, real estate, and logistics sectors.
The conference draws inspiration from global success stories — Countries such as Japan, Spain, and Italy have seen the fastest post-pandemic growth through short-break and micro-tourism models. Japan’s Workation & Micro-Tourism Forum has become a benchmark, promoting regional travel and nature-based stays as sustainable alternatives to long-distance holidays.
FTCCI’s initiative aligns with these global best practices, introducing the concept of Weekend Tourism Economy to India for the first time.
“Urban citizens today seek short breaks for wellness, family time, and rejuvenation. If Hyderabadis start exploring nearby destinations regularly, Telangana can build a thriving Weekend Tourism Economy that promotes livelihoods, strengthens infrastructure, and showcases the state’s cultural and natural diversity,” the FTCCI Tourism Committee said.
The conference aims to bring together government, industry, media, and influencers to co-create a new narrative for Telangana — a model state for short-break tourism and micro-travel.
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