Telangana isn’t just about tech, it is major player in healthcare too: Smita Sabharwal on Miss World pageant

Hyderabad: Telangana steps into the international spotlight with the Miss World pageant. However, it isn’t just about glamour and pageantry. The state sees this as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase its healthcare excellence, rich culture, and tourism treasures to a global audience.

To understand how Telangana is seizing this moment and what lies ahead, NewsMeter caught up with Smita Sabharwal, Principal Secretary of Tourism for Telangana.

NM: With Telangana’s healthcare now in the spotlight thanks to Miss World, how can the state position itself as a global leader in medical tourism?

SS: Miss World pageant gives us the perfect platform to highlight Telangana’s healthcare strength. We are planning curated visits for contestants, especially those with medical or healthcare backgrounds, to showcase our top-tier hospitals and wellness centers. We want the world to know that Telangana isn’t just about culture and technology — we are a serious player in global healthcare too.

NM: How can Telangana use Miss World’s global attention to showcase both its healthcare and its rich cultural and tourism offerings?

SS: It’s a strategic partnership and a branding exercise for us. While Hyderabad is already well-known, the rural and lesser-known gems of Telangana haven’t been marketed as strongly. We want to take contestants beyond the obvious — from our UNESCO World Heritage site at Buddhavanam to our stunning tiger reserves, where bookings are full months in advance. The contestants will bring their spin to these locations, creating authentic stories that will travel across the world.

NM: How can Telangana use this platform to promote its heritage, handlooms, and traditional arts to a global audience?

SS: We see Miss World as a global stage to celebrate Telangana’s incredible craftsmanship. From our handlooms to our traditional arts, this is our moment to promote them internationally. Through planned visits, exhibitions, and interactions, we are ensuring that the contestants — and through them, the global audience — experience the depth and beauty of Telangana’s heritage.

NM: How important is it for Telangana to build global partnerships after Miss World to sustain its tourism and healthcare growth?

SS: It’s crucial. Beyond the event itself, we are thinking about long-term partnerships with tourism boards, healthcare institutions, wellness brands, and more. This is not just a one-off showcase; it’s about creating sustainable global ties that will support our growth in the tourism and medical sectors for years to come.

NM: Beyond Miss World, what is your vision for Telangana as a destination for healthcare, wellness, and culture?

SS: Our vision is ambitious but very clear. We want Telangana to be known globally as a holistic destination — where travellers can come for advanced medical care, wellness retreats, cultural exploration, and nature-based experiences. Whether it’s the vibrancy of our cities or the serenity of our rural landscapes, we have something for every kind of traveller.

Managing a Global Event: Behind the Scenes

Hosting an event of this scale requires meticulous planning — and Telangana is leaving no stone unturned. There’s a lot of micromanaging happening. Especially, when it comes to safety and logistics. After global incidents like terror attacks, safety perceptions can be a challenge. We want everything to be thought through carefully, and we are coordinating closely with the Miss World Organization to meet their strict security requirements.

The government has committed a ₹27 crore investment as part of a larger ₹55 crore budget for the event, with significant efforts underway to secure private sponsorships.

We’re trying hard to convince sponsors of the incredible potential here. We’re doing our best not to place the entire burden on the government.

In a particularly symbolic move, Telangana hopes that the new Miss World will participate in the state’s June 2nd formation day celebrations — a proud moment tying together Telangana’s global aspirations with its deep local pride.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Telangana

Telangana’s leadership understands that Miss World is more than just a beauty pageant — it’s a springboard for a bold, global narrative. With thoughtful strategy, cultural pride, and a keen eye on sustainability, the state is positioning itself as a destination where healthcare excellence, rich traditions, and unforgettable experiences converge. And if the plans set in motion are any indication, Telangana is ready to captivate the world — one story at a time.