Durgesh Says Decision On Rushikonda Buildings To Be Taken By Month-End

Tourism minister Kandula Durgesh disclosed that the Cabinet Sub-Committee report on allocating the Rushikonda buildings to premier hospitality institutions has been submitted to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.

A decision on the matter is expected by the month-end. The government’s aim is to generate revenues while improving tourist facilities.

Durgesh said the ambitious “Akhanda Godavari Tourism Project” is being expedited with an investment of ₹94.44 crore under central government’s Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme. Key parts of the project are reconstruction of the historic Havelock Bridge in Rajahmundry, enhancing Pushkar Ghats, establishing tent cities at Bridge Lanka, Nursery Experience Centre at Kadiyam, boating facilities in Nidadavolu, accommodation at Kota Sattemma Temple, and development of the Chinakasirevu ghat.

According to the minister, the upcoming Godavari Pushkaralu, modelled after the Kumbh Mela, will be eco-friendly and plastic-free across six districts. Special tent cities and homestays are being arranged for devotees.

Durgesh announced that the 41st National Conference of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) is going to be held in Visakhapatnam from September 10 to September 12 with the theme “India – The World’s Next Tourism Opportunity.” The conference will be inaugurated by union Tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. It will be attended by over 2,000 delegates, including tour operators, policymakers, and industry leaders.

To bolster participation in the conference, the government has waived the ₹10,000 entry fee for tourism partners based in Andhra Pradesh seeking IATO membership until December 31, 2026. Others will pay a reduced fee of ₹3,000. Durgesh pointed out that in the past two years, the tourism sector has attracted investments worth ₹20,000 crore, resulting in 16 projects worth ₹5,529 crore coming up in Visakhapatnam alone, adding 950 new rooms and creating 10,000 new jobs.

The minister said AP aims to add 50,000 hotel rooms in the state by 2029. Other tourism efforts include regularised cruise services between Visakhapatnam, Puducherry and Chennai and seaplane projects on Godavari and Krishna rivers. A Buddhist circuit connecting Amaravati, Thotlakonda, Bojjanakonda, and Nagarjunakonda is being developed to attract Buddhist tourists from across the globe. In addition, there are spiritual circuits linking significant sites like Arasavilli and Ramatirtham. Infrastructure improvements include double-decker buses, special trains, and expanded accommodations to improve access for tourists.

Durgesh said under the 1/70 law, tribal tourism opportunities would benefit local communities, paving way for their economic development. There are plans for a tourism corridor at Veligonda and a circuit linking Srisailam, Tripurantakam, Kambham, Bhairavakona and Nallamala.

The minister revealed that more than 850 homestays have already been registered, encouraging tourists to experience the local traditions. Wellness tourism in yoga and Ayurveda is being promoted with partners like Baba Ramdev and IATO.

Speaking on the occasion, IATO president Ravi Gosen said the National Conference of the Indian Association of Tour Operators will foster collaboration between the government and industry, discuss technology and consumer trends, and involve a carbon audit to minimise the environmental impact of tourism. Special attractions will be part of the conference, including IATO Got Talent – Karaoke Music Competition and IATO Awards.