AP Targeting Global Tourism Hub Status For State, Says Minister Durgesh

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh is moving aggressively to position itself as a world-class tourism destination, Tourism, Culture and Cinematography minister Kandula Durgesh asserted on Friday at a press conference in Berm Park of Vijayawada.

He pointed out that to fulfil this mission, the NDA coalition government has brought in a series of reforms and investment-driven initiatives over the past two years. In support of this effort, the minister pointed out that tourism had been accorded industrial status in Andhra Pradesh. A new Tourism Policy 2024–29 has been formulated to attract large-scale investments. The state has signed 117 MoUs worth nearly ₹20,000 crore, which are expected to generate over 1.22 lakh direct and indirect jobs over a period of time.

Durgesh said as part of hospitality expansion, the state government has approved 50 new hotels, thereby adding 9,042 rooms to the existing inventory. Forty-two hotel projects are currently under construction. The long-term target is to create 50,000 rooms across the state and place Andhra Pradesh among India’s top five tourism destinations.

The minister said during the past two years, domestic tourist footfalls have increased by 17 per cent to 37 crore, while foreign tourist arrivals touched 2.62 lakh. This has helped AP improve its national ranking in tourism from the 16th to the 13th place. Tourism hubs are being developed at Visakhapatnam, Araku, Rajamahendravaram, Amaravati, Srisailam, Gandikota, and Tirupati. These will be supported by 25 thematic tourism circuits.

Durgesh said ₹428 crore central assistance has been sanctioned for eight tourism projects, including Suryalanka Beach, Borra Caves, Gandikota, Simhachalam, Annavaram, Ahobilam, and the Nagarjuna Sagar Buddhist Circuit. A dedicated Beach Protection Force has been established, while a homestay portal integrating 1,855 properties, and tent-city projects are being rolled out at 21 major temples.

Highlighting the cultural initiatives, the minister said the government has revived major awards, organised celebrations honouring Telugu icons, and is taking steps to restore artists’ pensions and the Kuchipudi teachers’ scheme. A music college is being proposed in every district, while the state plans to leverage the “Orange Economy” model to strengthen its cultural brand.

Durgesh disclosed that a new film policy is being finalised under which films shot entirely in Andhra Pradesh will receive incentives and subsidies. . Nandi Natakotsavams will be held later this year.

Reaffirming the NDA government’s commitment to make Andhra Pradesh a leading global tourism destination, Durgesh declared that the Godavari Pushkaralu in 2027 and Krishna Pushkaralu in 2028 would be organised on a grand scale.