AP unveils roadmap to transform State into global tourism hub

Amaravati: The State Government has launched a special drive to develop Andhra Pradesh into a global tourism hub, luring investments from leading entrepreneurs with thrust on sustainability.With a clear focus on economic development, employment generation and enhancing the quality of life, AP is aligning its tourism strategy with global standards and climate-conscious initiatives.

As part of this vision, the AP Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) will prepare an action plan to introduce innovative schemes and programme like heli tourism, tent cities and home stays for tourism promotion. The State is also working in close collaboration with the Union Government’s Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL)—a joint venture of Central PSUs under the Ministry of Power—to implement Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at COP26 to tackle climate change through sustainable living practices.

Visakhapatnam, in particular, is being positioned as a global destination for foreign tourists, with infrastructure upgrades and hospitality expansions underway. A major highlight of the State’s achievements is the attraction of investments worth Rs12,000 crore in the tourism sector within a single year, against a target of Rs25,000 crore over the next four years.

“Tourism development is not only about economic growth, but also about protecting our environment for future generations. Aligning with Mission LiFE and the Prime Minister’s global climate change agenda, AP aims to set new benchmarks in sustainable tourism,” said Ajay Jain, Special Chief Secretary (Housing & Tourism).

With Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu's vision steering the effort, AP is on track to become a global tourism investment hub, Ajay Jain said. The Chief Minister has directed that through tourism projects the department should ensure to generate direct and indirect employment for over 25,000 persons across various regions of the State in the next four years, he said.

In order to promote Mission Life and to provide cost effective services to the people the APTDC, Department of Tourism has entered into a landmark MoU with Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL), a subsidiary of EESL, to set up Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS) and battery swapping stations across major cities, highway corridors, and tourist hotspots—a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country to be rolled out on saturation mode. The State’s collaboration with BEE and with active participation of APSECM, Energy Department will also spearhead awareness on Mission LiFE, which aims to mobilize one billion individuals globally by 2028 to adopt eco-friendly lifestyles. The mission has identified 75 simple yet impactful actions—from using LED bulbs and solar energy to adopting public transport, EVs, and bicycles—that will be integrated into AP's tourism ecosystem.