AP Signs Tourism Investment Deals Worth ₹1,196 Crore At CII Summit
Minister Durgesh says 46,853 jobs expected from 62 projects: Reports
VISAKHAPATNAM: Andhra Pradesh has secured tourism investment commitments worth ₹1,196 crore through 10 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) along with two government orders (GOs) on the second day of 31st CII Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam on Friday.
Tourism minister Kandula Durgesh said the 10 MoUs involve investments of ₹860 crore, while the two GOs account for ₹336 crore. The projects cover hotels, resorts, hospitality facilities, and other tourism infrastructure in Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Kuppam, Kurnool, Rajahmundry, and other locations.
Durgesh assured investors of government support, saying AP government has accorded tourism industrial status, enabling investors to utilise incentives available to industries. He pointed out that Andhra Pradesh has attracted investments of nearly ₹20,000 crore from domestic and foreign investors over the past two-and-a-half years.
The minister said the government's objective is not merely to attract investments or increase the number of hotel rooms, but also create employment opportunities for local youth and women. Every tourism project would be assessed for its potential to generate direct and indirect employment and strengthen local communities.
He cited Araku Valley, Lambasingi, Horsley Hills, the Godavari and Krishna river basins, Gandikota, Konaseema, and Buddhist heritage sites among the state's tourism destinations.
Durgesh pointed to growing interest among foreign investors in setting up wellness centres based on yoga and Ayurveda in coastal areas, Araku, Lambasingi, and Horsley Hills. He said five regional investment conferences held in Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Amaravati, Anantapur, and Tirupati have resulted in 50 tourism projects, while 12 projects have been secured through the CII Summit.
The minister said in all, Tourism department has signed MoUs for 62 projects involving investments of ₹7,287.30 crore, including ₹1,196 crore from the CII Summit. These projects are expected to add more than 5,000 hotel rooms and generate direct and indirect employment for 46,853 people.
Durgesh asserted that the government is promoting sustainable and responsible tourism based on authenticity, human warmth and “Atithi Devo Bhava,” while maintaining global standards and preserving local culture.
