AP Chambers Backs Beach Shack Policy; Seeks Faster Tourism Approvals
The chambers organised a state-level Tourism Committee meeting in Vijayawada on Thursday.
VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry Federation (AP Chambers) has welcomed the state government’s newly announced Beach Shack Policy, describing it as a significant step towards unlocking the tourism potential of Andhra Pradesh’s long coastline and boosting investments in the sector.
The chambers organised a state-level Tourism Committee meeting in Vijayawada on Thursday. Stakeholders related to tourism from across the state participated in the discussions at the meeting for holistic growth of tourism.
Addressing media, AP Chambers president Potluri Bhaskara Rao praised the government’s proactive approach towards tourism promotion. He proposed the creation of a State Tourism Stakeholders Consultative Committee with representation from all tourism sub-sectors. Such a mechanism, he said, would ensure continuous engagement with industry stakeholders and facilitate timely resolution of issues.
Bhaskara Rao suggested setting up of Destination Management Committees for key tourist destinations to improve planning, develop infrastructure, and enhance visitor experience. He urged the government to expedite approvals of pending tourism MSME projects to encourage investment and employment generation.
The chambers president recommended development of three major tourism circuits — Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada and Rayalaseema — to promote balanced regional tourism. He further sought a dedicated grievance redressal system for the tourism sector. He sought development of more UNESCO-recognised heritage destinations in Andhra Pradesh.
AP Star Hotels Association president and AP Chambers Tourism Committee chairman R.V. Swamy suggested that the government increase the permissible plinth area for beach shacks from 1,500 sq. ft. to 3,000 sq. ft. to improve commercial viability and provide better amenities to visitors.
Highlighting concerns of entrepreneurs, Swamy said many small and medium tourism projects involving investments of ₹1 crore to ₹15 crore are awaiting clearances, despite approvals granted to several large projects. On the recently announced Homestays Policy, he urged the government to complete the empanelment process and publish the approved list at the earliest.
AP Chambers said a delegation would soon meet principal secretary (Revenue – Excise-II) Mukesh Kumar Meena to submit detailed recommendations for strengthening the Beach Shack Policy and promoting tourism sustainably.
