CM sets 20% growth target for tourism sector

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed Tourism Department officials to take measures to ensure that visitors to Andhra Pradesh have a pleasant experience. Chairing a review meeting at the State Secretariat on Thursday, he emphasised the need to utilise all available resources to develop the tourism sector and attract global tourists.
Setting a 20% growth target for the tourism sector in 2025-26, Naidu noted that within six months of the TDP-led NDA government assuming office, Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) had been signed with various companies for investments worth Rs 1,217 crore. The review meeting covered tourism and cultural events, hotel room construction, investments, land lease policies, and homestay initiatives.
The Chief Minister informed that 11 tourism resorts and hotels have been revived with an investment of Rs 45 crore in the past six months. Under the Centre’s PRASAD scheme, Annavaram temple has been selected for development, while Gandikota and Akhanda Godavari have been included under the Special Assistance to States under Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme. Additionally, Araku and Lambasingi have been identified under Swadesh Darshan 2.0, and Ahobilam and Nagarjuna Sagar under the Challenge-Based Destination Development scheme.
Officials briefed Naidu about the preparation of a Tourism Events Calendar for 2025-26, which includes two key international events and 12 mega events as part of 37 tourism programmes. The Chief Minister suggested hosting major events on university campuses and incorporating musical and cultural performances into these programmes. He also proposed year-long activities at the Shilparamams in Visakhapatnam, Amaravati, and Tirupati.
Highlighting Gandikota’s scenic rock formations, water resources, and lush greenery, Naidu stressed the need to promote it further as a prime tourist destination. He also directed officials to develop Kadapa Dargah, Ontimitta Ramalayam, Somasila, and Srisailam into key tourist spots. Plans are underway to modernise traditional village houses and enhance the quality of food served at tourism hotels.
To improve awareness, the Chief Minister called for greater publicity of the existing zoos in Tirupati and Visakhapatnam. He instructed officials to finalise an action plan for all projects within 90 days and ensure that, within four months, tourists recognise Andhra Pradesh as a “Happy State.”Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh, Tourism Development Corporation Chairman Nukasani Balaji, and senior department officials attended the meeting.