Tour operators are brand ambassadors of Andhra Pradesh tourism, says Minister

Minister for Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Kandula Durgesh has said that the New Tourism Policy 2024 to 2029 accords top priority to investors, with tourism being granted industry status, extension of subsidies, reimbursement of SGST and exemption from stamp duty.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of a two-day Mega Tourism Mart organised jointly by the Government of Andhra Pradesh and the Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India at PM Palem in Visakhapatnam on Friday evening.

Describing tour operators as brand ambassadors for the promotion of tourism in Andhra Pradesh, he said the mart was aimed at showcasing coastal tourism, tribal circuits, cultural and heritage destinations, ecotourism and adventure tourism in the State. Tour operators, hotel groups and travel experts from across the country participated in the event.

Mr. Durgesh said special emphasis was being laid on coordination with neighbouring States to promote tourist destinations mutually. Referring to the Dandakaranya forests in neighbouring Chhattisgarh, which find mention in the Ramayana, he said such linkages could be leveraged to develop integrated tourism circuits.

Stating that agreements had been signed for 117 projects worth ₹20,088 crore in the last 18 months, he said the projects were expected to generate 1,22,637 employment opportunities. Approvals were being accorded through a single window system under the Speed of Business policy of the State government, he added.

He said future initiatives include promotion of caravan tourism between Visakhapatnam and Araku, introduction of a bed and breakfast policy and development of tent cities.

Chhattisgarh Tourism Development Corporation chairman Neelu Sharma, APTDC Chairman Nookasani Balaji, Special Chief Secretary, Tourism, Ajay Jain, and APTDC Managing Director and CEO Amrapali were among those present.