Goa: Hyderabad won the National Culinary Destination Award at the prestigious India Today Tourism Awards 2026 presented during the India Today Tourism Summit held in Goa on Monday, further reinforcing Telangana’s growing stature as a leading tourism destination.

The award was received by Telangana Tourism Minister Jupally Krishna Rao from Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in the presence of Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Aroon Purie, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of the India Today Group, Raj Chengappa, Group Editorial Director (Publishing), India Today Group, tourism ministers, policymakers, industry leaders and tourism stakeholders from across the country.

Speaking on the occasion, Krishna Rao said the award reflects Hyderabad’s rich culinary heritage and Telangana’s growing prominence on India’s tourism map. He said Hyderabad’s globally acclaimed culinary traditions, led by the iconic Hyderabadi Biryani, Irani Chai and authentic Telangana cuisine, have earned international recognition and continue to attract visitors from across India and abroad.

The Minister said the recognition reaffirms Telangana’s position as a preferred tourism destination known for its heritage, culture, hospitality and culinary traditions. He noted that the State Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, is implementing several initiatives to promote tourism by showcasing Telangana’s heritage destinations, eco-tourism circuits, spiritual tourism centres, adventure tourism destinations and cultural attractions.

Krishna Rao said Telangana is witnessing increased tourist footfalls and growing interest in segments such as heritage, eco, medical, spiritual and culinary tourism. He added that the State Government is committed to strengthening tourism infrastructure, improving connectivity and enhancing visitor experiences across destinations.

The recognition comes close on the heels of Hyderabad being featured among the world’s leading food destinations, further strengthening its reputation as one of India’s premier culinary capitals.

Dedicating the award to the people of Telangana and stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality sectors, the Minister said the recognition would further strengthen efforts to position Telangana as one of the country’s leading tourism destinations.

The India Today Tourism Awards recognise excellence in tourism promotion, destination development and visitor experience across India.

Telangana Tourism Development Corporation Managing Director Gauthami was present on the occasion.