Telangana minister targets global hub for wedding tourism.
He urged wedding planners to view Telangana not just as a destination, but as a vibrant, living cultural experience.
Hyderabad: Telangana is setting its sights on becoming one of the world’s premier wedding destinations, Tourism Minister Jupally Krishna Rao announced on Sunday. Speaking at the Fourth South India Wedding Planners Congress (SIWPC), held at Akshaya Convention in the city’s Financial District, the minister painted an ambitious vision of Telangana as a global hub for wedding tourism.
Industry leaders, and officials. “With ancient forts, palaces, dense forests, rivers, lakes, hills, and luxury hotels, the state offers ideal settings for themed weddings at all budget levels.”
The two-day congress was organised by the Telangana Chamber of Events Industry (TCEI) in association with the Tourism Department, and it attracted a wide range of professionals keen on exploring the state’s potential in this booming sector.
Rao encouraged wedding planners to think of Telangana not merely as a destination but as a “living culture,” one that can offer couples and their families a blend of heritage, hospitality, and modern convenience. He highlighted that Telangana’s mix of history and contemporary infrastructure makes it uniquely placed to serve both traditional ceremonies and modern, theme-based celebrations.
To promote this vision, the government has planned special familiarisation tours for wedding planners, allowing them to visit and experience different venues across the state. “From regal palaces in Hyderabad to lakeside resorts and forest retreats, Telangana has a wide canvas to host weddings that can match every dream,” Rao explained.
Understanding the logistical challenges involved in large-scale weddings, the minister assured industry stakeholders that the government would streamline licenses, permits, and other formalities to make hosting weddings smoother. New policies under public-private partnerships are also in the works, aimed at drawing greater investments into the wedding and event industry.
In a move that signals Telangana’s aspirations to lead on the national stage, Rao announced that from its next edition, the SIWPC will be renamed as the Indian Wedding Planners Congress. The rebranded event will bring together traditions and professionals from across the country, creating a larger platform to showcase India’s diverse wedding cultures.
The event also saw participation from Tourism Department Special Chief Secretary Jayesh Ranjan, TCEI President Alla Balaram Babu, General Secretary Ravi Bura, and other industry leaders, who echoed the sentiment that Telangana has both the infrastructure and cultural richness to attract weddings of all scales, including international clients.
For many in attendance, the announcement marked a turning point. “Destination weddings are no longer limited to Goa or Rajasthan. Telangana has the potential to compete globally,” said one planner from Chennai, noting the state’s connectivity and the appeal of Hyderabad as a cosmopolitan city with deep roots in tradition.
As the glittering wedding industry, estimated to be worth billions of dollars in India alone, continues to grow, Telangana hopes to carve out its place on the map. For couples looking for settings that combine grandeur with authenticity, the state is ready to roll out the red carpet.