AP seeks to position itself as global tourism destination: Durgesh
The Andhra Pradesh government is working to position the State as a global tourism destination by promoting responsible and environment-friendly tourism, Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh said here on Wednesday.
Addressing the media ahead of the 41st national convention of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), Mr. Durgesh said the three-day convention, to be held in Visakhapatnam from September 10 to 12, would provide the State an opportunity to showcase its tourism potential to international tour operators.
The convention, themed “India – The World’s Next Tourism Opportunity”, is expected to draw more than 1,000 delegates, including tour operators, policymakers and tourism industry representatives. Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will attend the inaugural session on Thursday.
Mr. Durgesh said Andhra Pradesh had attracted around ₹20,000 crore in tourism investments in the past two years. Sixteen projects worth ₹5,529 crore had been approved in Visakhapatnam, which were expected to add about 950 rooms and create nearly 10,000 direct jobs. The State had set a target of adding 50,000 rooms by 2029, he said.
The Minister said the ₹94.44-crore Akhanda Godavari tourism project, being implemented with Central assistance, was being expedited. The project includes the redevelopment of tourism infrastructure in and around Rajamahendravaram and other destinations along the Godavari.
The government was also preparing for the Godavari Pushkarams, which would be organised across six districts with emphasis on plastic-free and environment-friendly arrangements.
Regular cruise services between Visakhapatnam, Puducherry and Chennai would commence from November, while the State was exploring seaplane services on the Krishna and Godavari rivers, Mr. Durgesh said.
The government was developing a Buddhist tourism circuit connecting Amaravati, Thotlakonda, Bojjannakonda and Nagarjunakonda and a North Andhra temple circuit covering Arasavilli, Srikurmam, Srimukhalingam, Salihundam and Ramateertham.
More than 850 people had shown interest in establishing homestays in the State. Tourism opportunities in tribal areas would be developed in accordance with the 1/70 Act, with local communities being given priority, he said.
IATO president Ravi Gosain said the association would promote Andhra Pradesh’s beaches, spiritual centres, cultural heritage and natural attractions among international tourists.
Six post-convention tours have been planned for IATO members on September 13 to familiarise tour operators with tourism destinations in the State. The convention will also discuss the impact of technology, artificial intelligence and changing consumer preferences on tourism.
IATO officials said a carbon audit would be conducted for the convention as part of efforts to promote sustainable tourism.