Colourful hot-air balloons filled the skies of Hyderabad as the three-day festival commenced, ushering in a new era for Telangana’s tourism industry. State Tourism and Culture Minister Jupally Krishna Rao inaugurated the event near Golconda Fort at the Golf Club. He embarked on a hot air balloon ride during the opening festivities, soaring for about 13 kilometers over Hyderabad and its picturesque surroundings.
With 18 hot air balloons carrying around 40 passengers, the ride provided breathtaking aerial views from Golconda Golf Club to Appajiguda. Minister Jupally Krishna Rao hailed the experience as unforgettable, emphasizing that it signifies a fresh beginning for tourism in the state. He highlighted Telangana’s blend of heritage and innovation, showcasing traditional culture through events like the International Kite and Sweet Festival while embracing modern technology with initiatives like the Hot Air Balloon and Drone Festivals.
Minister Rao underscored the importance of merging culture and technology to position Telangana as a contemporary tourism hub. He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to enhancing the ‘Destination Telangana’ brand by leveraging the state’s natural beauty and historical richness on a global scale. The focus remains on adventure tourism to attract both local and international visitors through immersive experiences, part of the state’s new tourism policy aimed at fostering growth by encouraging private investments and public-private partnerships for top-notch infrastructure and services.
