Highlighting the immense potential that the travel and tourism sector holds in the state of Andhra Pradesh the state’s minister for Tourism & Culture, Mr Kandula Durgesh said that the government is working on developing specialized tourism circuits, including religious, spiritual, eco, scenic, and hill stations, to attract a wide range of visitors to the state.
Addressing the gathering at CII’s Travel & Tourism Summit in Visakhapatnam the minister also stressed on the need to enhance beach tourism.
‘Currently, only Rushikonda Beach holds the Blue Flag status, despite Andhra Pradesh’s extensive coastline’ cited Mr Kandula Durgesh.
Emphasising the need of creating a unique brand identity for Andhra Pradesh’s diverse tourism offerings the minister also encouraged stakeholders to introduce luxury cruises, meditation decks, ropeways, tribal markets, caravan and film tourism, amusement centers, floating hotels, destination weddings, beachside shopping, and more.
Mr Durgesh further announced the establishment of a cabinet sub-committee comprising the Forestry, Tourism, and Endowments Ministries.
Mr M Sribharat, Vizag’s Member of Parliament, in his address informed that the government is revamping the Master Plan and improving connectivity for a seamless visitor experience. He also highlighted GITAM University’s hospitality training program, where around 2,000 people are being trained in the hospitality sector to raise standards of hygiene and civic behavior, contributing to enhanced experience for tourists.
Mr. Suresh Babu, CEO of Suresh Productions, highlighted the essential role of hygiene, civic practices, and sustainable approaches in achieving experiential tourism on par with global standards.
He also called upon the need for walkable spaces, city planning, zoning regulations, hygienic culinary experiences, and affordable, clean accommodations.
Dr V Murali Krishna, Chairman, CII Andhra Pradesh said that domestic tourism increased by 8% annually & foreign tourist arrivals rose by 3.2% over the past two years. In 2023, AP welcomed over 200 million domestic tourists and 1.5 million international tourists.
