AP govt to spend Rs 1000 cr to develop tourism

The Andhra Pradesh government has earmarked investment Rs 1,000 crore through public private partnership (PPP) mode to develop and upgrade its tourism infrastructure.

In the coming months, Andhra Pradesh is set to witness investments of over Rs 1,000 crore through PPP mode to upgrade tourism infrastructure in the state, Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) said in a release issued here.

We want to showcase to our guests that everything is possible in Andhra Pradesh. Today, the state has much more to offer in terms of unexplored locations. We are sure that the new tourism infrastructure will delight the new-generation visitors.

We are keen to promote Andhra Pradesh as the most desirable round-the-year tourist destination in the country, Chandana Khan, Special Chief Secretary to the Andhra Pradesh Government (Tourism and Archaeology) and Chairman and Managing Director, APTDC said.

The programme is supported by the Tourism Ministry, which has already sanctioned Rs 221 crore. Besides, the state is also expecting investment to the tune of Rs 58 crore for new projects. The programme involves building coastal corridors along the Vizag-Bheemunipatnam sea front and Vizag-Vizianagaram- Srikakulam Regional circuit with Rs 175 crore investment, and eight new beach properties in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, East Godavari, West Godavari, Prakasam and Nellore districts.

The state is focusing on the development of new and unexplored destinations and weaning the tourists from the already popular destinations like Tirupati and Hyderabad. For this, the state government has drawn up a campaign to attract more visitors to explore new tourist locations across the state.

Besides upgrading infrastructure, APTDC will spend Rs 40 crore on marketing and promotional activities to promote attractive tourist locations. The APTDC is also planning to cater to niche groups by promoting packages that are woven around themes like culture, art, cuisine, textiles, dance, rural, water sports and more. PTI