Published Paper Details:

Tourism, as a driver of socio-economic development, holds immense potential in the Indian state of Telangana due to its rich heritage, diverse cultures, and emerging eco-tourism destinations. However, the success and sustainability of tourism hinge on a skilled workforce that can meet evolving visitor expectations. This paper examines the landscape of skill development and training in Telangana's tourism sector, focusing on the policies, institutional frameworks, and public-private partnerships involved. Through an analytical lens and five case studies from different districts, the study explores the effectiveness of localised training programs and identifies key challenges and opportunities. Findings suggest that while targeted initiatives are helping uplift rural and tribal communities through tourism-linked employment, gaps remain in standardisation, scalability, and integration with long-term livelihoods. The study concludes with practical recommendations for enhancing training ecosystems to make tourism more inclusive and sustainable in Telangana