Hyderabad :
Coinciding with the World Tourism Day, the Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation (TSTDC) entered the online market and launched Android-based mobile phone application and touch-screen kiosks to promote tourism destinations in the state.
The App acts as a virtual guide to users and provides detailed information on the transport, accommodation and history of any chosen place. Any mobile phone user can download this Android-based App free of cost.
The touch-screen kiosks, which will also serve a similar purpose, will be installed at railway stations, bus stations and airports for the benefit of travellers to guide them to the nearest tourist spots.
Information technology minister K T Rama Rao inaugurated the two facilities during World Tourism Day celebrations at Taramati Baradari in the city on Sunday.
Rama Rao advised the TSTDC to explore new trends in tourism promotion such as palace tourism and theme park tourism. “The weekend culture is a developing trend in cities like Hyderabad. It is a good opportunity for the tourism sector to cash in on the growing demand for children’s parks and theme-based restaurants in the city.” He also suggested to TSTDC to develop adventure sports destinations near Hyderabad.
Meanwhile, the TSTDC has announced new initiatives to develop unexplored tourist destinations in the state. Corporation chairman Pervaram Ramulu said that the government was planning to develop theme- based tourism circuits to connect multiple tourist spots under a single package.
An integrated eco-tourism circuit in Mahbubnagar district has been announced recently. A tribal tourism circuit in Warangal district with eight destinations was being developed with an investment of Rs 96.01 crore, he said. On the occasion of the World Tourism Day, the TSTDC presented awards to best performing restaurants, tour operators and guides. ‘One Billion Tourists, One Billion Opportunities’ has been chosen as the theme for Tourism Day celebrations this year. According to a recent report by the United Nations, the global tourism market will have 1.80 billion (100.80 crore) tourists.
To enhance its share in the country’s tourism revenue, the TSTDC is planning to spend Rs 600 crore with a target to develop the tourism spots to global standards.
Tourism secretary B Venkatesham, advisor to the state government KV Ramanachary, TSTDC managing director Christina Z Chongthu and director of archaeology Sunita Bhagawat were also present at the event.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Telangana / by Express News Service / September 28th, 2015