Tourism sector emerging as key growth engine for development of A.P., says Minister

The tourism sector is emerging as a key “growth engine” for the economic development of Andhra Pradesh, said Kandula Durgesh, Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Cinematography, on Tuesday (March 24, 2026).

Ahead of a meeting with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday (March 25), the Minister reviewed key issues with the department officials in his chamber at the Secretariat on Tuesday.

The meeting discussed the 15-year financial plan of the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC), focussing on the outcomes of previous meetings with the Chief Minister, key directions issued, new investments, development of hotels and hospitality sector, projects approved by the State Investment Promotion Board, progress of homestays, projects undertaken with the Central government funds and promotional activities for tourist destinations.

Mr. Durgesh instructed officials to complete the ‘Akhanda Godavari’ project before the Godavari Pushkaralu. He emphasised the need for innovative decisions to increase tourist footfall, promoting responsible tourism and taking steps towards the development of a creative economy.

Earlier, the Minister met Ram Prakash Maheshwari and Ankur Maheshwari, representatives of M/s Modern Masti Private Limited, the company with which the A.P. Tourism Department had signed an MoU at the Indian Association of Amusement Parks and Industries (IAAPI) Expo-2026 held recently in Mumbai.

They informed the Minister that suitable locations have been identified within the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMDA) limits for establishing a world-class amusement park and resort with an investment of approximately ₹100 crore. They expressed satisfaction with the prompt guidance provided by the Tourism Department officials.

The review meeting was attended by Special Chief Secretary of Tourism Ajay Jain, Tourism Department Executive Directors Padmavathi and Seshagiri Rao, Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority (APTA) Deputy CEO Srinivas, Chief Marketing Officer Padma Rani Seela, Head of Investments Satyaprabha and officials including Lejwanthi, Nancharaiah and Ramprasad among others.