AP Gets Best Tourism Promotion State Award at Global Travel Market 2026
Durgesh said the recognition reflected the collective efforts of the people of AP, the state government and tourism stakeholders
VIJAYAWADA: In recognition of its tourism promotion initiatives, Andhra Pradesh has received the Best Tourism Promotion State award at the Global Travel Market (GTM) 2026, held in Kovalam, Kerala.
The award was presented to tourism minister Kandula Durgesh in a ceremony at The Leela Raviz in Thiruvananthapuram. Kerala tourism minister P.C. Vishnunath, MLA Muralidharan and Thiruvananthapuram Mayor V.V. Rajesh presented the award in the presence of tourism stakeholders and international delegates.
Receiving the honour, Durgesh said the recognition reflected the collective efforts of the people of AP, the state government and tourism stakeholders. He credited Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan for providing the right vision for the state's tourism development.
The minister said the tourism policy 2024-29, the grant of industrial status for tourism, capital subsidies, 100 per cent SGST reimbursement and infrastructure development through public-private partnerships strengthened the state tourism’s investment ecosystem.
He said the government is developing seven anchor tourism hubs and more than 25 thematic tourism circuits as part of its long-term tourism strategy.
During the exhibition, Durgesh inaugurated the AP tourism pavilion, interacted with international tour operators and promoted the state’s “Holiday in AP” campaign.
In a significant development, the organisers announced that the GTM 2027 Expo will be hosted in AP on September 27, 2027, coinciding with World Tourism Day.
The minister invited investors to explore opportunities in wellness and cruise tourism and highlighted the state’s tourism assets, including beaches, temples, rivers, backwaters, wildlife destinations, eco-tourism sites, heritage attractions, Buddhist circuits, culinary tourism and wellness retreats.
Durgesh said AP is home to more than 80,000 temples, 13 wildlife sanctuaries, three national parks, the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve and a 1,054-km coastline with 283 beaches. He also highlighted Gandikota and the state’s mangrove ecosystems among its major attractions.
Andhra Pradesh recorded 36.42 crore tourist visits during 2025-26, while international tourist arrivals registered growth of more than 48 per cent. He attributed the award to tourism branding initiatives, infrastructure expansion, investor outreach and efforts to diversify tourism beyond pilgrim destinations into eco, adventure, beach, cruise, medical and rural tourism.
