The state capital will again play host to another big international conference, the Conference of World Tourism Organisation’s (UNWTO) regional commission for South Asia, East Asia and Pacific Countries, which is scheduled to be held here in next April .
Around 30 countries are expected to participate in the conference. The decision to hold the meeting in India and at Hyderabad was taken in London during Union minister of state for tourism K Chiranjeevi’s recent visit to the UK and his meeting with Taleb Rafai, secretary-general UNWTO.
Disclosing this at a review meeting held with state tourism minister Vatti Vasanta Kumar and officials here on Monday, Chiranjeevi said it would be a good opportunity to showcase to the world the rich heritage, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) and tourism facilities in the state.
Better coordination among different departments like forests, environment, culture, archaeology and highways would produce good results, he said and suggested coordination committees at the state and central levels for expediting the progress of various projects.
Chiranjeevi also laid stress on promotion of Brand AP in world tourism a la Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and other states. “Effective marketing of tourism is the key. Vigorous marketing is required in India and abroad about the USP of Andhra Pradesh to attract more and more tourists.’’
He emphasised on destination development on a par with Karnataka and Kerala. He suggested for fixing signages and hoarding etc at frequent and reasonable intervals for the benefit of tourists.
The minister was also keen on promotion of beach tourism and said the Union government had released Rs 201 crore for 40 projects in Andhra Pradesh in the 11th five-year plan and Rs 58 crore for 11 projects in the first year of the 12th five-year plan period. He assured speedy processing of Vizag Mega Circuit for central financial assistance to the tune of ` 55 crore, which would be spent to develop the beach tourism between Visakhapatnam and Bheemili.
Agreeing to consider the state government’s request to set up new institutions for hotel management, Chiranjeevi stressed the need to focus on rural tourism, describing it as an important factor, as most foreigners are interested in seeing rural India, and the traditions and customs there. He also said that Buddhist spots in the state can be developed and promoted to attract foreign tourists.
Officials were asked to promote Pochampalli handlooms in a big way under rural tourism and to develop the vilage as a tourist destination. Similarly, other places with good potential needed to be developed, he said.
Agreeing to inaugurate a new performance theatre at Kuchipudi in Krishna district, he assured all assistance from the central government to make Kuchipudi an important world destination and also to promote Kondapalli.