Spirituality, cuisine, handicrafts: How Telangana is trying to make the most of Miss World 2025

Hyderabad: A beauty pageant laced in Telangana colors. For a change, India’s youngest state will be the showstopper when beauties from 140 countries walk the ramp during Miss World 2025.

Spread over 28 days, the event will be another feather in Telangana’s cap in a very short time. The big-ticket event is also Telangana’s moment to showcase its rich culture, heritage, and tourism on the international stage.

Talking to NewsMeter, Smita Sabharwal, Principal Secretary of Youth Advancement, Tourism and Culture, shared insights into why Telangana was chosen, what this means for the state, and how it plans to make the most of this prestigious event.

NM: How did Telangana emerge as the chosen destination for Miss World 2025?

Smita Sabharwal: The Miss World Organization first reached out to us almost a month ago through Steve Douglas Morley, who is part of the founding family. What started as a casual conversation on email soon turned into a serious discussion, as they were clear about their intent to highlight local culture and heritage. From our end, we saw this as an unparalleled opportunity to promote Telangana as a tourism and investment destination. By the second meeting, they were convinced that Telangana was the right choice, thanks to our well-developed infrastructure, international connectivity, and safety standards.

NM: Telangana is hosting Miss World for the first time. What does this mean for the state in terms of global recognition?

Smita Sabharwal: This is a landmark moment for Telangana. With global participation and over 3,000 media partners covering the event, the spotlight will be on our state for an entire month. This isn’t just about a beauty pageant—it’s about positioning Telangana as a must-visit destination. We are keen on ensuring that visitors and audiences worldwide see our state as a hub for tourism, culture, medical care, and heritage.

NM: How will this event contribute to the state’s economy and job creation?

Smita Sabharwal: While the event itself is more of a branding initiative, the long-term economic benefits will be significant. The hospitality, transport, and retail sectors will experience a surge. Hotels, restaurants, and tourism services will be operating at full capacity, leading to employment generation. More importantly, the international exposure will open doors for sustained tourism growth and investment in the state.

NM: What are the key locations within Telangana that will be featured during the 28-day event?

Smita Sabharwal: The itinerary includes a diverse mix of destinations that highlight Telangana’s rich heritage. Contestants will visit Ramappa Temple, Yadadri, Pochampally village for handlooms, Buddhavanam, Chowmohalla Palace, Laad Bazaar, and Shilparamam. We are also taking them to the Telangana Secretariat, where they will learn about the state’s growth story and governance. Additionally, we are organizing cultural experiences that you’ll know about soon.

NM: Telangana is known for its handlooms and traditional crafts. Will they be integrated into the event?

Smita Sabharwal: Absolutely. We are placing a strong emphasis on promoting Telangana’s handloom sector. Pochampally’s famed ikat weaves, Gadwal sarees, and Narayanpet textiles will be showcased. Contestants will get an opportunity to interact with artisans and understand the craftsmanship behind these textiles. We want to use this platform to create global awareness and demand for our handlooms.

NM: Are there any plans to introduce contestants to local art forms and festivals during their stay?

Smita Sabharwal: Yes, we are curating experiences that allow contestants to engage with Telangana’s vibrant art scene. A grand crafts and arts gala is being planned in Shilparamam where they can witness live demonstrations of traditional crafts. We are also making them participate in Bathukamma, which is a significant cultural festival here.

NM: How will Telangana’s culinary heritage be represented during the event?

Smita Sabharwal: Food is an essential part of cultural identity, and we are ensuring that Telangana’s cuisine gets the spotlight it deserves. We plan to host curated dining experiences featuring local specialties. Additionally, contestants will have the opportunity to visit local markets and try regional delicacies.

NM: How is Telangana ensuring the safety and security of tourists during the event?

Smita Sabharwal: Safety is a top priority for us. We are setting up a dedicated tourist police force to ensure a secure tourism ecosystem. Additionally, we have a well-established Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) in Hyderabad, which monitors the city with high-tech surveillance. When the Miss World team visited Telangana, we showcased our security infrastructure, which reassured them about our safety standards. A tourist map is also being developed for security personnel to ensure smooth coordination and quick response in case of emergencies.

NM: In conclusion, why should the world visit Telangana?

Smita Sabharwal: Telangana is a unique blend of history, culture, modernity, and opportunity. Unlike routine tourist circuits, our destinations are still untapped and offer fresh experiences. Whether it’s heritage, medical tourism, handlooms, or hospitality, this state has something for everyone. Through Miss World 2025, we are not just hosting an event—we are redefining Telangana’s place on the global tourism map.