Telangana Tourism bags Best Design Decoration Award at TTF 2026

HYDERABAD: Telangana Tourism has added another feather to its cap, winning the Best Design Decoration Award at the Travel and Tourism Fair (TTF) 2026. The award was announced on the concluding day of the fair, recognising the state's stall for its visual appeal and cultural authenticity.

The stall, designed to mirror Telangana's rich heritage, featured intricate motifs from the region's famed handicrafts, including Nirmal paintings and Gadwal sarees. Illuminated arches inspired by Charminar and Warangal's Kakatiya ruins drew steady footfall, with visitors pausing for photographs and queries.

Standout Design Amidst Stiff Competition

TTF 2026, held in New Delhi, saw participation from over 20 states and several international tourism boards. Telangana's pavilion stood out for its fusion of tradition and modernity, incorporating interactive digital screens alongside traditional decor elements.

Officials from the Telangana Tourism department said the design was conceptualised to offer visitors a sensory preview of the state. "We wanted visitors to feel they were walking through Telangana," a senior official said, adding that the response from trade visitors and the public was overwhelming.

The award is judged on creativity, use of space, and how effectively the stall represents the destination. Telangana scored high on all counts, beating several larger states with bigger budgets.

Boost for State's Tourism Push

The win comes at a time when Telangana is aggressively promoting its tourism potential. From the recently launched 'Telangana: A Tapestry of Experiences' campaign to the development of eco-tourism circuits in the Godavari belt, the state has been working to position itself as a year-round destination.

Tourism experts believe such recognition helps in building brand recall among travel agents and tour operators. "Awards like this create a ripple effect," said an industry analyst. "It puts Telangana on the radar of planners who might not have considered it earlier."

The state has also been focusing on niche segments like heritage walks, culinary tourism, and wellness retreats. The stall at TTF 2026 showcased these offerings through brochures, short films, and live demonstrations by artisans from Kondapalli and Pochampally.

Looking Ahead

Telangana Tourism is expected to leverage the award in its upcoming promotional material, including at the next edition of TTF and international roadshows in Southeast Asia and Europe. The department has also planned a series of familiarisation trips for travel writers and influencers over the next few months.

With the award in hand, the state aims to convert interest into bookings, particularly during the upcoming winter season when tourist footfall peaks. The focus will now shift to ensuring that the experience promised at the fair translates into ground-level offerings for visitors.

Officials have not yet confirmed specific targets for tourist arrivals post-TTF, but the mood within the department is upbeat. The coming months will reveal whether this design laurel translates into tangible growth for Telangana's tourism sector.