Andhra Pradesh Eyes Global Wedding Tourism, Woos Investors
Scenic beaches, hill resorts and heritage sites draw wedding tourism investors
Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh is aiming to emerge as a global wedding destination by leveraging its scenic coastline, hill resorts, heritage sites and spiritual centres, Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh has said at the International Wedding and Tourism Conclave (IWTC) in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Participating in the conclave, the minister held discussions with leading wedding planners, event organisers and tourism stakeholders on the immense potential for wedding tourism in AP. He assured investors that the government would extend full support, including single-window clearances, infrastructure and policy incentives, for wedding and tourism projects.
Durgesh said the state was according high priority to tourism as a key driver of economic growth. He also showcased the state's tourism attractions at the Andhra Pradesh Tourism pavilion set up at the conclave.
Highlighting the state's strengths, the minister said Visakhapatnam, with its picturesque beaches and hill resorts, offered an ideal setting for world-class beach weddings, while luxury hotels coming up at Suryalanka Beach would further strengthen the sector. He described Araku Valley as a perfect venue for intimate weddings amid misty hills, lush greenery, tribal culture, eco-tourism attractions and the internationally acclaimed Araku coffee.
Durgesh also cited the verdant landscapes of Konaseema, the dense forests of Maredumilli and Tirupati, which is fast emerging as a preferred destination for traditional grand weddings with the addition of world-class hospitality facilities. He noted that yoga guru Baba Ramdev is also establishing wellness centres in Andhra Pradesh.
The state, he said, had granted industry status to tourism and was offering attractive incentives under the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Policy 2024-29. Homestays, caravans, land allotment and bed-and-breakfast establishments were also a part of the policy, besides a strong focus on film tourism.
Several wedding planners expressed interest in exploring investment opportunities in AP following the minister's presentation.
Durgesh invited organisers to visit the state for field inspections, expressing confidence that wedding tourism would generate employment, attract investments and accelerate the growth of the tourism sector.
Special chief secretary to tourism Ajay Jain, hospitality industry leaders, investors, venue owners, travel trade partners, tourism stakeholders and destination wedding managers attended the conclave.
