Exploring India’s Thriving Film Tourism Industry: How Telangana, Hyderabad, and Iconic Cinematic Locations Are Shaping the Future of Travel and Tourism – Everything You Should Know for Your Next Adventure

Published on February 15, 2026

Film tourism is rapidly becoming a core element of India’s national branding strategy, with regions like Telangana and Hyderabad emerging as central players in the race to capitalize on cinematic storytelling as a vehicle for tourism. The idea is simple yet powerful: what if films could turn everyday destinations into highly sought-after travel spots? Experts are pushing for clearer policies, strategic incentives, and seamless processes to transform the magic of cinema into measurable economic benefits. This movement isn’t just about promoting tourist destinations; it’s about creating a sustainable economic engine powered by film, aimed at stimulating local economies and boosting tourism, all while tapping into the global success of Bollywood and regional film industries.

India’s film tourism could significantly reshape the country’s tourism landscape, blending culture, entertainment, and travel in ways that attract visitors from across the globe. With the rise of platforms like OTT, even smaller, lesser-known destinations are gaining international fame, offering fresh opportunities for tourism.

Film Tourism’s Rising Importance in India’s Branding Strategy

The idea of leveraging cinema as a tool for destination marketing is not new globally. However, India has been relatively slow to develop this as a policy-driven initiative. Now, leaders from the tourism and film industries are highlighting film tourism as a critical opportunity for economic growth and global recognition.

A report from the Ministry of Tourism emphasizes the increasing importance of film-induced tourism. By showcasing iconic filming locations, countries like New Zealand and the UK have turned movie sets into tourism hubs. With global research showing that 80 million travelers are influenced by films each year, India is keen to maximize this potential. The emphasis is on creating frameworks and incentives that directly link screen time to measurable tourism outcomes.

Telangana: A Role Model for Film Tourism Integration

In the heart of the conversation lies Telangana, with Hyderabad positioning itself as a top contender in the film tourism race. The state is creating a comprehensive, integrated ecosystem for filmmakers. The aim is to offer easy access to studios, filming locations, and post-production facilities that surpass even the offerings of Mumbai, traditionally seen as India’s film capital.

Telangana’s Film in Telangana portal has become a key tool in helping filmmakers navigate bureaucratic hurdles by streamlining approvals and identifying potential filming sites. The portal has positioned Telangana as a model for other states to follow, making it easier for film producers to shoot without delays.

With robust facilities and infrastructure, Telangana is tapping into its own cinematic potential and turning Hyderabad into a hotbed for film production. This strategy not only enhances the local economy but also attracts tourism through the exposure that comes with being a filming location.

Incentives, Policies, and the Future of Film Tourism in India

While Telangana is already paving the way, experts argue that for India to truly compete on the global stage, the government needs to establish a coordinated national framework. Such a framework would provide clear incentives for filmmakers and align state-level policies with national goals. By doing so, India could tap into the vast potential of its cinematic locations, creating an integrated tourism circuit that spans not only traditional film cities but also lesser-known locales.

For example, destinations highlighted in the popular OTT platforms and regional films could become major tourism magnets. This would require data-driven evaluation, tracking the revenue generated from film-related tourism and aligning the incentives to reflect real-world impacts. The idea is to create a system where tourism and cinema work hand in hand, feeding off each other for sustained growth.

How India Can Compete with Global Players

India has yet to fully capitalize on the role that cinema plays in tourism, despite having one of the largest film industries in the world. The South Indian film industry, particularly Tollywood, has demonstrated the scale and economic power that cinema can wield. With Rs 2,300 crore in box-office collections in 2022, the Telugu film industry showcases just a small fraction of the tourism opportunities that could be generated by film-induced travel.

The Make in India initiative, which encourages international and local filmmakers to choose India as their preferred destination, could also be a powerful tool. The idea is to invite filmmakers to shoot in India, creating a unique travel experience that showcases the country’s diverse landscapes, cultures, and lifestyles.

Travel Tips for Film Lovers: Explore India’s Cinematic Locations

If you’re a film enthusiast eager to experience India’s cinematic treasures, here are a few travel tips:

1. Visit Hyderabad’s Film Studios: Take a tour of the Ramoji Film City, one of the largest film studio complexes in the world, which hosts various sets from famous films and TV shows. Experience the magic of cinema firsthand.
2. Explore Scenic Film Locations: Many films have been shot in picturesque locations like the North East, Mysore, and the Himalayas. These locations offer a perfect blend of scenic beauty and cinematic history. North East India is a growing hub for film tourism, often overlooked by mainstream tourism, but widely loved by filmmakers.
3. Attend Film Festivals: Participate in film festivals such as the International Film Festival of India in Goa, which showcases the best of Indian cinema. Festivals like these offer travelers a chance to engage with both the film industry and India’s vibrant culture.
4. Stay at Cinematic Hotels: Many hotels and resorts in Hyderabad and Mumbai have appeared in films. These locations have embraced the cinematic aura and offer themed stays for film lovers.
5. Discover Filming Locations in Bollywood: Take a guided tour of famous filming locations in Mumbai, from iconic studios to the streets that have featured in popular Bollywood films. Mumbai’s Film City is another major attraction for tourists looking to explore India’s cinematic culture.

The Road Ahead: A Golden Opportunity for India’s Tourism

India is uniquely positioned to become a global leader in film tourism with its vast and diverse landscape. With a strategic national framework, clear policies, and coordinated state efforts like those seen in Telangana, India could soon see a significant economic boost from the tourism sector linked to film. This initiative not only aims to improve the livelihoods of local communities but also positions India as a prominent player in the global tourism market.