AP to invest Rs. 30,000 cr by 2029

With its proactive policy-making and aggressive promotional plans for the tourism sector, Andhra Pradesh’s 2029 vision for tourism entails an investment of nearly Rs. 30,000 crores and creation of 10 lakh jobs in the state.

ANKITA SAXENA

During 2016, Andhra Pradesh welcomed 158.5 million domestic tourists, ranked fourth in the country in terms of total domestic tourist visits but the state is vying for the first spot in the coming years with its aggressive marketing strategies and tourism development plans, informs Nara Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister, Government of Andhra Pradesh.

“Most of the countries are depending on Indian tourists for their tourism economies and it is unfortunate that despite having everything in the country, we have not been able to exploit the potential of our own people. However, I appreciate the services of tour operators who are promoting their country to its people,” said Naidu. Elaborating on the state’s plans to develop infrastructure, he says, “Our 2029 vision is to double the domestic tourist footfall to 353 million; we will invest additional funds to the tune of Rs. 30,000 crores and hope to create around 10 lakh jobs in the tourism sector. We are developing basic infrastructure as well as inviting innovative projects from the private players to guide us in the direction of developing tourism under PPP mode. We have allotted 10 acres of land to LuLu Group to set up an integrated project, comprising a convention centre, a shopping mall and a five-star hotel in Visakhapatnam.”

Bhuma Akhila Priya, Minister of Tourism, Telugu Language and Culture, Government of Andhra Pradesh further elaborated, “Tourism infrastructure is a major challenge for us but we are approaching investors to participate in the creation of such facilities so as to make the visit of tourists more profitable. Through the travel agents and tour operators, we expect the message of the possibilities of tourism and experiences of Andhra Pradesh to spread all over the country,” said Priya.

Besides leisure tourism, the state is also promoting rural tourism, adventure tourism, tribal tourism, Buddhist tourism, spiritual tourism, agriculture tourism and sports tourism. A Formula1 race circuit has recently been approved in Anantapur and a F1 H20 race event will be held next year near Krishna River at Vijayawada. An adventure sports academy is expected at Gandikota in Kadapa district. Andhra Pradesh has planned 24 mega events to be hosted in the state to provide a first-hand experience of its hospitality.