In a world where travel is often reduced to trends and numbers, H.K. Valmiki stands apart as a voice of intention, empathy, and vision. A senior figure in India’s travel industry and a well-known leader from Hyderabad, Valmiki’s recent public engagements and interviews in June and July 2025 revealed not just industry insights but also deeper reflections on the purpose of tourism in society.
“We don’t just want tourists to arrive. We want them to connect and stay.” As Chairman of the FTCCI Tourism Committee, Valmiki’s leadership is not confined to policymaking but rooted in experiential foresight.
“Hyderabad and Telangana are now preparing to ensure that tourists not only visit the destination but also experience it deeply and stay longer.” According to him, the shift towards experiential tourism is essential to move beyond superficial visits and into more authentic, long-lasting tourism value.
“Over ₹2,000 crore in infrastructure will benefit everyone — including small travel operators.”During a recent panel, Valmiki highlighted the Telangana government’s major infrastructure push:
“It’s not just about roads and facilities. As infrastructure grows, it creates an ecosystem where tour operators, travel agents, and even grassroots-level guides get better opportunities.” He emphasized that this kind of forward-looking investment lays the foundation for inclusive growth in the tourism sector.“ We need forums for dialogue — that’s why we launched the Telangana Tourism Conclave.”Valmiki’s efforts to create platforms for public-private dialogue led to the inception of the Telangana Tourism Conclave in 2022.
“It’s not just an event. It’s a conversation space where policy meets practice.” He now plans the second edition in late 2025, with broader industry participation and focus on digital marketing, heritage tourism, and domestic circuit development.
“Hyderabad is for everyone — from the budget traveler to the luxury connoisseur.” When asked about Hyderabad’s positioning as a tourist city, Valmiki was unequivocal: “This is a destination where you can find hotel rooms from ₹500 to ₹50,000 a night. It’s affordable, luxurious, and diverse. A culinary haven, a thriving MICE hub, and a dream for wedding planners.”
He pointed out that locations like Ramoji Film City elevate Telangana’s profile in the luxury and wedding tourism circuit.“Getting the Skal Asia Personality of the Year twice is not personal—it’s collective recognition.”
In July 2025, H.K. Valmiki became the rare recipient of the Skal Asia ‘Personality of the Year’ award for the second time (first awarded in 2019). On receiving this honor, he remarked: “This award is not mine alone—it belongs to the team that has worked tirelessly to build tourism leadership rooted in ethics and mutual respect.”
He reaffirmed his commitment to fostering new leadership and collaborative networks in the sector.“Tourism is not just business—it’s a path from self-centeredness to compassion.” At a felicitation hosted by FTCCI, Valmiki gave perhaps his most profound statement of the season: “Tourism is not just about numbers or transactions. It is about transforming people—from self-centered individuals to empathetic global citizens.” His message underscored tourism’s ability to break barriers, foster cultural understanding, and nurture peace.A Leader Who Listens, Builds and Inspires.In a time of noise and self-promotion, H.K. Valmiki speaks with purpose.
His voice is not just loud—it is grounded, thoughtful, and future-facing. Through infrastructure, engagement, ethics, and empathy, he exemplifies the kind of leadership the tourism industry truly needs.
