Miss World 2025 has become the most prestigious and powerful project for Telangana that combined culture, heritage, and media spotlight to create a compelling narrative and propelled tourism growth in the State.
Highlighting the importance of hosting world-class events such as the ‘Miss World contest’ in Hyderabad, Honourable Chief Minister Shri A. Revanth Reddy called it “an excellent tourism opportunity that can generate a lot of revenue”.
“Representatives from 140 countries will stay in Telangana for over a month and visit different tourist destinations. This is a big opportunity for the State in general, and for tourism, hospitality, and arts and crafts sectors in particular,” he said in March 2025, talking about the magnitude of the event and its potential in reaping benefits.
“Hyderabad will become a landmark on the globe. When many people come here, it would generate hundreds of crores of revenue for hotels, transport and other industries, and eventually to the State government,” he added.
The Honourable Chief Minister also directed the officials to hold Miss World 2025 celebrations in such a way that “the image of Telangana draws the world’s attention”. “Decorate the arches and hoardings throughout the city beautifully, and let the buzz of Miss World be visible for all,” Shri A. Revanth Reddy said during a review meeting on May 5.
And so it did — the buzz reached every nook and corner of the world.
Global stage meets local pride
When Telangana bagged the hosting rights for the Miss World 2025 event, held with aplomb from May 7–31, it was more than just an event; it was a showcase of Telangana culture and hospitality. With delegates from around 120 countries and global broadcasts reaching over 150 nations, the State unleashed a wave of international attention.
Julia Morley, CEO of Miss World Limited, described Telangana as a land of “rich culture, innovation, and hospitality”, emphasising on the State’s belief in cultural power to spark global connection. It was not only a glitzy, glittering and glamorous event but also became a catalyst that spurred cultural and spiritual tourism in Telangana.
“The very purpose of conducting the 72nd edition of the global beauty pageant, Miss World 2025, was to promote tourism. Our aim was to provide employment, and self-employment, to the unemployed youth, increase State’s revenue, and attract investments — we have succeeded in this endeavour,” said Shri Jupally Krishna Rao, Minister of Tourism and Culture.
Following a month-long journey that celebrated Telangana’s rich heritage, vibrant culture and unforgettable spirited competitions among 108 beauty queens from across the globe, the 72nd edition of the Miss World contest witnessed a spectacular grand finale on Saturday, May 31, at Hyderabad’s Hitex Exhibition Centre.
Amid dazzling performances, glamour and glitz, beauty with a purpose, inspiring stories, and stiff competition, Miss Thailand Opal Suchata has emerged victorious and won the coveted Miss World crown.
Shri Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary, Tourism, Culture and Sports, Government of Telangana, shared that this year’s Miss World is “quite different”. “It’s the longest Miss World event ever and ran for nearly a month. This was not a standalone event. With lots of planning, care and attention, this would be the foundation that will take Telangana tourism to a completely different level,” he shared.
Heritage trails in a spotlight
The 108 beauty queens from across the globe, who competed for the Miss World crown, didn’t just participate in rampwalks and Q&A rounds. The pageant glam took to the streets of Hyderabad, and Telangana, to soak in the spirit of Telangana tehzeeb, culture, and spirituality, besides experiencing — first-hand — the iconic lanes of Charminar, hitech healthcare facilities, heritage walks, grandeur of palaces in Hyderabad, lavish dinner spreads, infrastructure development, Telangana cuisine and hospitality, among others.
The multi-week schedule was meticulously planned to showcase Telangana’s rich historical and spiritual landscape, amid “purpose-driven” initiatives, immersive cultural experiences and philanthropic activities.
From exploring the UNESCO site (and pride of Telangana) Ramappa Temple, to admiring the architectural marvel of Warangal Fort and Thousand Pillar Temple, to watching in wonder the religious ceremonies at Yadagirigutta Temple and a Perini dance performance, from soaking in the spirit of Buddhist culture to be awed by the filmmaking process at the sprawling cinematic wonder Ramoji Film City, from understanding cutting-edge technology at TGICCC to exploring advanced healthcare facilities — the contestants had a packed schedule for nearly a month.
Spiritual sojourn in temple towns
During her visit to the Ramappa Temple, donned in a beautiful sari, where the contestants were welcomed with tribal dances, Miss Montenegro said, “Telangana has truly astonished me — I don’t want to leave. I want to live here, work here, and be a part of its incredible journey.”
Walking through centuries-old stone gateways, which stand tall celebrating Telangana’s heritage, and admiring the Kakatiya architecture, Miss Ecuador stated in wonder, “The Thousand Pillar Temple is so beautiful and magical.”
After taking part in the rituals and receiving blessings at the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Yadagirigutta, the Caribbean delegates joined the locals in a vibrant Kolattam dance. They were given framed deity images as “mementoes of a deeply spiritual day”. Captivated by the magnificent temple, Miss Puerto Rico shared, “Yadagirigutta Temple is so beautiful — everyone should visit it at least once in their lifetime.”
Exploring artistry at handloom clusters
A visit to Pochampally handloom clusters helped the contestants understand the weaving community’s craftsmanship, while the arts and crafts workshop at Shilparamam turned the spotlight on Telangana’s traditional arts such as Cheriyal painting and silver filigree. Guided by local artisans, they celebrated women-led craft, rural resilience, and “cultural exchange through creativity”.
The African delegates who visited Telangana’s iconic Ikat hub — the Handloom Park Museum at Pochampally, watched live weaving demos, tried their hand at loom work and appreciated the artistry behind each thread. “The process behind Pochampally handlooms is absolutely fascinating and incredible,” gushed Miss Mauritius.
Exploring Telangana’s rich tapestry of artistic endeavours — from pottery to weaving, Miss Spain exclaimed: “Telangana’s handmade culture is truly special. I’m so happy to learn the art and be part of this beautiful tradition.”
Soaking in Buddhist philosophy at Buddhavanam
On Buddha Purnima, Miss World contestants from Asia and Oceania revelled in the opportunity of visiting Buddhavanam at Nagarjuna Sagar, which held them in the thrall of the Buddhist culture. Amid sacred chants and serene rituals, they experienced peace, reflection, and the timeless teachings of Buddha.
Talking about her experience, Miss Thailand and the Miss World 2025 pageant winner Opal Suchata said, “Buddhavanam truly touched my heart. As a Buddhist, the chants calmed me and gave me strength for the rest of the event.”
Traipsing in lanes of Charminar
The charming alleys of Charminar and the sparkling lanes of Laad Bazaar beckoned the Miss World contestants with their glittery wares, while a grand evening at Chowmahalla Palace displayed Telangana’s rich culture, cuisine, and royal charm.
Miss Columbia felt that walking through Charminar lanes was “like stepping into a painting — it is a beautiful blend of history, culture, and colour all in one frame”, and Miss Ireland was fascinated by Chowmahalla Palace which “feels like stepping into a royal dream”.
Celebrating legacy in the lap of nature
At Pillalamarri, the contestants celebrated Telangana’s natural and cultural heritage under the 700-year-old banyan tree. Welcomed by Tourism Minister Shri Jupally Krishna Rao, they danced to Bathukamma beats.
Deeply moved by the love, care, and reverence shown to a tree, Miss India shared, “Pillalamarri is not just a place, it’s a living legacy. We take back cherished memories, and I believe generations to come will look forward to experiencing its magic.”
A balanced blend of eco-tourism with creative expression not only charmed the contestants who visited Experium Eco Park, which is home to over 25,000 plant species, but also brought Hyderabad’s eco-conservation efforts to the fore. A befitting nature-themed fashion show featuring designs by local talent rounded off the day beautifully. Astonished by Telangana’s greenery, Miss Canada called the Experium Park “the Most Instagrammable Spot”.
Hi-tech healthcare & cutting-edge technology
Around 107 contestants visited the Telangana Police Integrated Command and Control Centre (TGICCC) in Hyderabad, which showcased the city’s preparedness for all eventualities and security concerns. From K9 demos to real-time tech, they all got to witness cutting-edge policing. Impressed by what she has seen, Miss South Africa remarked, “TGICC shows the world what tomorrow looks like. Telangana’s advancement and technology are incredible and this visit was a reassuring and inspiring experience.”
Hosted by Dr. D. Nageshwar Reddy, the beauty pageant participants visited the AIG Hospitals in Hyderabad, toured the facility and interacted with patients, showcasing empathy and global healthcare awareness.
Biggest & brightest: Social impact and stunning shows
Miss World contestants also paid floral tributes to Telangana Thalli and observed silence for Gulzar Houz fire victims. Post the high tea hosted in their honour, they enjoyed a Telangana-themed quiz, and a stunning drone show highlighting welfare schemes.
“I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to visit the Secretariat and witness its splendour. Thank you to the Telangana government for this unforgettable experience,” said Miss Philippines on the occasion.
At India’s largest startup incubator (T-Hub), social impact took centre stage where advocacy was combined with innovation as the contestants pitched their ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ projects tackling global issues.
During their tour of the world-renowned Ramoji Film City (RFC), the contestants soaked in film sets, Indian cuisine, and cinematic wonder. Chairperson Julia Morley called it “a magical experience reflecting India’s storytelling power”, while Miss USA declared that Ramoji Film City is “the biggest and brightest I have ever seen”.
Captivating viewers across the globe
Blending rural artistry with spiritual tourism, advanced healthcare with hi-tech policing, and eco-conservation with astonishing filmmaking technology, this high-profile pageantry with its rich cultural narratives created visuals and stories that positioned Telangana as a tourism treasure trove.
No wonder, then, that it wasn’t only the beauty pageant participants that were left spellbound. Millions of viewers who were watching the events unfolding in Telangana as part of the Miss World 2025 contest were also mesmerised by the State’s ancient grandeur juxtaposed with the best modern infrastructure.
‘Brand Telangana’ gets a facelift
Every segment — heritage walks, temple tours, and gala dinners — was captured live and broadcast globally. The scenic beauty of Tank Bund and grandeur of Chowmahalla Palace, and the serenity of temple precincts flashed across continents. The result? Viewers could experience Telangana’s allure firsthand, even from living rooms thousands of miles away.
“Despite having the best tourist facilities in the State, foreign tourists limit their travel to Agra (Taj Mahal), Jaipur (forts), and Kerala. By hosting the Miss World 2025 event here, we succeeded in putting Telangana on the world map and promoting tourism in a big way,” said Special Chief Secretary Shri Jayesh Ranjan.
Hailed as a grandly successful event that gave a “huge facelift” for Brand Telangana, the Miss World 2025 made ‘Telangana Zarur Aana’ a catchphrase for the world.
Economic worth beyond fame
The State’s Rs. 200 crore investment was surely a calculated bet for long-term gains with benefits that include
- A surge in foreign tourism inquiries, with international travellers seeking curated heritage tours in Telangana.
- Heightened visibility and boom for local hospitality, particularly hotels, tourist guides and crafts vendors.
- Ancient temples, vibrant bazaars, and warm Indian hospitality have come to be identified with Telangana tourism.
Security & infrastructure gains
The elaborate security across Hyderabad venues and heritage sites wasn’t there to safeguard a beauty pageant and its contestants alone; it was an exceptional demonstration of Telangana’s capability to host large-scale global events. Enhanced infrastructure, trained staff, and international logistics readiness have set the stage for future tourism and business opportunities.
Elated over the successful conduct of a huge and high-impact global event of the stature of Miss World, Shri Jupally Krishna Rao remarked: “We brought the entire world to Hyderabad and were able to showcase Telangana tourism, besides promoting Telangana across the world. We succeeded and are thankful to everyone who helped in making this event a huge success. I am thankful to our Chief Minister for bringing Miss World to Hyderabad.”
Strategic ‘Beauty with a Purpose’
Aligning with Miss World’s mission, Telangana emphasised sustainable tourism — promoting artisans from Pochampally, Buddhist culture from Nagarjuna Sagar, and heritage conservation at Ramappa. With ‘beauty’ at its core, the narrative also centred on elevating culture, livelihoods, and meaningful travel.
Telangana seized the tremendous opportunity to host Miss World 2025 while welcoming and embracing the challenges that come with an event of this stature, and succeeded in converting it into “a global billboard for its assets”.
Whether it is the State’s iconic heritage sites or its vibrant culture and traditions or the modern hospitality, the Congress government, led by Honourable Chief Minister Shri A. Revanth Reddy, has elevated Telangana’s profile and set a foundation for sustained tourism, investment, and cultural pride. As the whole world sat back and watched in wonder, the message couldn’t have been louder, clearer and unambiguous: “Telangana is ready.”
In the words of the Honourable Telangana Chief Minister, “If the Miss World pageant can be conducted in Hyderabad, why not the Olympics?”