Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced ambitious plans to dramatically boost the state’s tourism sector, revealing that 10,000 new homestay facilities are set to open soon across popular destinations like Araku, Paderu, Visakhapatnam, Tirupati, and the Rayalaseema region.
Speaking at the World Tourism Day celebrations in Vijayawada, the Chief Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to implementing tourism projects through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. During the event, he officially launched the ‘Tourism Policy Operational Guidelines’ and unveiled the ‘AP Tourism Homestay Portal.’ He also virtually inaugurated the Golden Sand Resort in Bapatla, marking another step in the state’s tourism expansion.
Mr. Naidu highlighted how the role of tourism has evolved significantly. “Unlike in the past, when tourism primarily meant visiting temples, today it’s a powerful engine driving national economies,” he noted. With global tourism revenue reaching $2.6 trillion, he stressed India’s immense potential in this thriving industry.
To encourage investment, the government has officially granted industrial status to the tourism sector. This means investors can now benefit from a ‘speed of doing business’ policy, offering streamlined approvals and appealing incentives. So far, the state has attracted investments totaling ₹10,600 crore in its tourism sector, a testament to these favorable policies.
Further infrastructure developments include the rollout of indigenous 4G internet connectivity across the state and a commitment to developing 50,000 new hotel rooms within the next three years. The Chief Minister also spoke about plans for ‘Experience Centers’ designed to beautifully showcase Andhra Pradesh’s rich culture and traditions to visitors.
Exploring New Avenues: From Weddings to Wellness
The state is prioritizing both temple tourism and eco-tourism initiatives. Plans are underway to establish wedding destinations in spiritual locales such as Tirumala and Annavaram, with a vision to transform Andhra Pradesh into a premier tourism hub by 2027.
Recognizing the growing global trend of health tourism—where individuals travel to enhance their physical, mental, or spiritual well-being through medical treatments, wellness programs, or spa services—Mr. Naidu proposed the development of dedicated healing centers throughout Andhra Pradesh.
He proudly stated that Andhra Pradesh is blessed with a wealth of rich heritage, affirming that traditional dance forms, such as the renowned Kuchipudi, would be prominently showcased on appropriate platforms to a wider audience.
Underscoring tourism’s vital role in achieving the ‘Swarnandhra’ (Golden Andhra) goals, the Chief Minister expressed the government’s strong ambition to elevate the state’s tourism growth rate from its current 8% to an impressive 20%.
Key dignitaries present at the event included Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh, Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav, A.P. Tourism Development Corporation Chairman N. Balaji, and other senior department officials.