AP aims 20 pc growth rate in tourism: CM
Naidu said, “A majority of the people are still not aware that zoo parks exist in Tirupati and Visakhapatnam, these should be publicised to attract tourists.”
Vijayawada: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to establish tourism circuits in coordination with the central government. Advising tourism officials to ensure that tourists visiting AP should feel happy, Naidu asked them to utilise all available resources to develop the sector and attract tourists from all over the world.
Setting a target of a 20 per cent annual growth rate for the sector in 2025-26, he said, “We have signed MoUs with various companies for investments worth Rs.1,217 crore so far.”
The Chief Minister held a review meeting at the state secretariat on tourism events, cultural events, construction of hotel rooms, investments, land lease policy and home-stays.
Informing the meeting that 11 tourism resorts and hotels have been revived with an investment of `45 crore in the last seven months, Naidu said the Annavaram temple has been selected under the PRASAD scheme of the Centre, under the special assistance scheme for states. Under the Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme, Gandikota and Akhanda Godavari have been selected while Araku and Lambasingi under Swadesh Darshan-2.0; and Ahobilam and Nagarjuna Sagar under the challenge-based Destination Development scheme.
Officials told the CM that a Tourism Events Calendar is being designed for 2025-26 to attract tourists. As part of this, two key international events and 12 mega events are being organised as part of 37 tourism events. Naidu suggested that mega events and key events can be organised on university campuses while a ‘musical culture’ can be integrated with such events.
Naidu suggested that year-long programmes be organised at the Shilpa Aaramams of Visakhapatnam, Amaravati and Tirupati. Officers must work promptly on distribution of Nandi Awards. “Gandikota is famous in the country for water, rock-formations and extensive greenery,” he said and wanted it to be promoted further to attract more tourists.
The Kadapa Dargah and the Ontimitta Ramalayam along with Somasila areas too should be developed as tourist destinations, the CM said and added that Srisailam too should be developed further. “The traditional houses that are still existing in villages need to be modernised,” he said and added that the quality of food being supplied at tourism-related hotels must be improved.
Naidu said, “A majority of the people are still not aware that zoo parks exist in Tirupati and Visakhapatnam, these should be publicised to attract tourists.” Officials, he said, must complete the action plan for all these projects within 90 days. Tourists should feel in the next four months that “AP is a Happy State.”
Tourism minister Kandula Durgesh, chairman of the APTDC Nukasani Balaji and senior officials of the department were present
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