Hyderabad Heritage Guides Lose Livelihoods to Digital Apps and Online Bookings

Licensed tourist guides at heritage structures in Hyderabad, including Golconda, the Qutb Shahi Tombs, and Charminar, are facing a severe livelihood crisis as digital alternatives, pre-booked online itineraries, and history vlogs increasingly replace traditional human-guided tours. This shift has resulted in a significant drop in daily earnings for the city's registered guides, many of whom have spent decades explaining local history to visitors.

Mohammad Gaush, who has worked as a guide since 1975, reported that his daily earnings have plummeted from a range of ₹500 to ₹800 in good years to ₹300 or less today. Similarly, Abdul Kareem, a licensed guide since 1989, highlighted the difference between digital searches and human storytelling, stating that while Google provides information, guides help visitors live with that information.

The guides working at these protected heritage sites are licensed by the Ministry of Tourism. Mr. Sudhakar, Marketing Executive at the Telangana Tourism Development Corporation, noted that obtaining a license requires completing a tourism management course, formal training, and an interview. However, Sudhakar confirmed that the government no longer provides salaries or facilities to these guides, leaving them entirely dependent on direct bookings.

Tourists are increasingly arriving at these sites already prepared with digital resources. Meghna Rao, a visitor to Golconda from Bengaluru, said she had watched three YouTube videos about the fort before arriving and did not know guides were still available. Lucas Müller, a traveler from Germany, used an audio guide app downloaded the night before, noting that the app's reviews, maps, and history made a human guide feel unnecessary.

The decline in demand has forced several guides to seek alternative livelihoods. Mohd. Azgar Khan, an experienced guide who once coordinated guides across heritage structures, said he was forced to turn the profession into a side gig as people began booking everything online before entering the city. Many guides have drifted away to drive vehicles or leave the city entirely.

Despite the challenges, some guides continue to find niche opportunities. Suresh, a guide at Charminar, leads morning heritage walks for school groups, particularly during November and December, showcasing the culture, stories, and everyday life of the old city.