Ms. Valluru Kranthi, IAS, Managing Director of the Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation (TGTDC), visited the 12th International Young Chef Olympiad (YCO) 2026 at the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), Gachibowli, highlighting Telangana’s growing focus on culinary tourism.

During her visit, she toured the IIHM campus, interacted with participating student chefs, and reviewed dishes prepared by contestants from countries including France, Scotland, Switzerland, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Belarus. She was accompanied by Mr. J. Earnest Immanuel, Director, IIHM Hyderabad.

Addressing the media, Ms. Kranthi said culinary tourism plays a vital role in the tourism ecosystem and noted Telangana’s strong potential driven by its diverse food heritage. She highlighted the launch of India’s first Culinary Experiential Tourism Accelerator, aimed at empowering rural and women entrepreneurs while reviving forgotten regional cuisines.

She also pointed to Hyderabad’s status as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, adding that Telangana Tourism plans to leverage this through food festivals and by encouraging home chefs across the state. On homestays, she said the government is moving towards online registrations to boost participation in key tourist destinations.

The regional round of YCO 2026 is currently underway in Hyderabad, with finals scheduled in Kolkata on February 6, where the winner will receive a ₹15 lakh cash prize.