VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu emphasised the need to strengthen law and order to ensure tourist safety and urged District Collectors to formulate plans to make tourism a significant revenue source.
Addressing a review of the Tourism Department on the second day of Collectors’ Conference, Naidu called for promoting the State’s distinctive cuisine and cultural heritage, with an operational timeline of six months.
Tourism officials reported significant progress in positioning Andhra Pradesh as a leading destination for domestic and international travellers. The Central government recently recognised the State’s tourism policy as the best in the country, paving the way for investments by groups like Oberoi, Taj, Club Mahindra and Mayfair.
The State targets Rs 6,500 crore in investments for hotels and resorts, expected to generate over 25,000 jobs. Notable investments include Rs 2,100 crore by Oberoi, Rs 1,000 crore by Club Mahindra, and Rs 1,250 crore by Radisson.
Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh highlighted the need for world-class infrastructure, including five-star hotels as outlined in the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) Master Plan.
He announced the preparation of a year-round events calendar and the appointment of an agency to promote the State’s traditions, arts and festivals. Seven key destinations — Visakhapatnam, Araku-Lambasingi, Rajahmundry, Amaravati, Srisailam, Gandikota and Tirupati — have been identified for focused development, alongside 25 theme-based tourist routes. Detailed project reports for these initiatives are expected by February 2025.
Tourism Secretary V Vinay Chand presented updates on projects under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and the SASCI scheme, with a combined investment of Rs 250 crore.
Key destinations under development include Gandikota, Akhanda Godavari, Srisailam, Amaravati, and coastal corridors. Additionally, Araku-Lambasingi, Konaseema and Papikondalu are witnessing rapid development.