The policy document was released by CM N. Chandrababu Naidu
CM N. Chandrbabu Naidu, along with Deputy Speaker Mandali Buddhaprasad, MP Kesineni Srinivas and others, releases tourism policy brochure in Vijayawada on Monday. (Photo: DC)
Vijayawada: A 10 per cent reduction in VAT, total exemption of luxury tax, entertainment tax, waiver of non-agricultural land tax or land conversion tax, 100% reimbursement of registration and stamp duty, treating tourism projects in HT-III category in power supply were some of the major sops announced for promotion of tourism industry in the state.
The policy document was released by CM N. Chandrababu Naidu amidst a galaxy of industry representatives, tourism professionals, hoteliers, tour operators on Monday.
On the occasion, the CM said that tourism will also be treated on par with other industries in some areas.
Stating that his government targets Rs 20,000 crore in the next five years by making the state a tourist hub, Mr Naidu said that he would like to attract tourists on par with Kerala, Goa and Rajasthan.
“Our Konaseema scenic beauty is no way inferior to Kerala. Our beaches are superior when compared to Goa. Rajasthan is known for Mughal art whereas AP is famous for Buddhist architecture and temple tourism. Our Lord Venkateswara is a crowd-puller and the richest God on Earth. Our Kuchipudi has a class of its own and we sanctioned Rs 100 crore for its development. So, we can develop tourism sector easily. It has the potential to generate highest revenue and employment generation after IT,” Mr Naidu outlined.
The CM said that AP has the longest coast, an advantage which no other state has. The pulicot lake, Kandelr and Gandikota reservoirs, Papi Kondalu, Krishna and Godavari river banks have enormous potential for development.
Speaking on the occasion, principal secretary of Tourism Neerabh Kumar Prasad said that the state government wants to promote PPP projects in tourism sector in a big way. The government has also announced setting up of State Tourism Promotion Board (STPB) and State Tourism Promotion Council(STPC) with CM and Chief Secretary as heads to clear the major and medium projects.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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