Andhra Pradesh Targeting Global Tourism Hub Status, Says Minister Kandula Durgesh

Andhra Pradesh is making significant strides in its ambitious quest to become a premier global tourism hub. By implementing a series of strategic reforms and investment-focused initiatives over the past two years, the state is aggressively positioning itself as a world-class travel destination. This commitment was highlighted by Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh during a recent press briefing held at Berm Park in Vijayawada.

To accelerate this development, the state administration has officially accorded industrial status to the tourism sector. A comprehensive Tourism Policy 2024–29 has been introduced specifically to entice large-scale capital investments into the region. So far, Andhra Pradesh has successfully signed 117 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) valued at approximately ₹20,000 crore. These projects are projected to generate over 1.22 lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities for the local population.

Infrastructure Expansion and Strategic Tourism Development

A core component of the state’s strategy involves a massive expansion of hospitality infrastructure. The government has already approved the development of 50 new hotels, which will add 9,042 rooms to the existing inventory, with 42 of these projects currently under active construction. The ultimate long-term vision is to establish a capacity of 50,000 rooms across the state, aiming to cement Andhra Pradesh as one of India's top five tourism destinations.

The impact of these efforts is already becoming visible. Over the last two years, domestic tourist footfalls have surged by 17 per cent, reaching 37 crore, while foreign visitor numbers have risen to 2.62 lakh. Consequently, the state has improved its national tourism ranking from 16th to 13th place. Targeted tourism hubs are currently being developed in key locations, including Visakhapatnam, Araku, Rajamahendravaram, Amaravati, Srisailam, Gandikota, and Tirupati, supported by 25 thematic circuits.

Supporting Cultural Heritage and Future Initiatives

Beyond infrastructure, the government is prioritizing the preservation of cultural assets. Central assistance totaling ₹428 crore has been sanctioned for eight vital projects, covering iconic sites like Borra Caves, Suryalanka Beach, and the Nagarjuna Sagar Buddhist Circuit. Furthermore, a specialized Beach Protection Force has been established, and a new homestay portal has been launched to streamline lodging options for travelers.

The cultural revitalization efforts include restoring artist pensions, reviving major awards, and implementing new schemes for Kuchipudi teachers. The state is also formalizing a new film policy designed to offer incentives for productions shot entirely within the state. Looking ahead, the government remains focused on hosting large-scale events, such as the Godavari Pushkaralu in 2027 and the Krishna Pushkaralu in 2028, to further promote the region on the global stage.