AP CM Naidu on fortifying tourism infra to raise revenue

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday called for concerted efforts to augment tourism infrastructure across the State to make it an attractive destination for domestic as well as international tourists.

At a review meeting here with Tourism Minister Kandula Durgest, APTDC Chairman N. Balaji and senior officials, he directed them to ensure speedy completion of projects approved by the State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB).

He said their target is to add 50,000 hotel rooms by 2029. He also wanted 10,000 homestays to ensure eco-friendly and low-budget accommodation to the tourists. On behalf of the State Government , Kandula Durgest recently signed an MoU with Modern Masti Private Limited for developing a theme park and resort in Visakhapatnam with an investment of Rs100 crore in an area of 50 acres. The MoU was signed in Mumbai at the Indian Association of Amusement Parks and Industries (IAAPI) Expo.

The Chief Minister said more amusement parks should be encouraged in Visakhapatnam and Tirupati and gave instructions on registration of caravans and setting up of caravan parks.

It is clear that projects should be undertaken to encourage eco and temple tourism in coordination with the Forest and Endowment Departments, he said and advised to prepare development projects of various temples and sightseeing places under Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) and Swadesh Darshan Schemes by May, 2026. Under these two schemes, the officials of the Tourism Department explained that proposals have been sent to the Centre for grant of another Rs663 crore.

Naidu said efforts are required to develop Gandikota, Suryalanka, Araku and Borra Caves as popular tourist hubs. He said the work on allowing more people for Godavari Pushkarghat and Havelock Bridge over the River Godavari at Rajamahendravaram should be completed by December-end.