Andhra Pradesh Unveils Ambitious Tourism Policy to Boost Investments and Employment

The Andhra Pradesh government has launched a visionary tourism policy for the next five years, aimed at transforming the state into a global tourism hub. Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh announced the new policy in the state assembly, detailing ambitious plans to attract investments, boost employment, and position Andhra Pradesh as a premier destination for domestic and international travelers.

Key Highlights of the Tourism Policy

1. Massive Investment Plans
   The government plans to secure ₹25,000 crore in investments under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The recognition of tourism as an industry—an initiative pioneered by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu—will facilitate large-scale investments and economic growth. Andhra Pradesh is the first state in India to grant tourism industry status, ensuring a significant boost in funding and infrastructure.
2. Economic and Employment Goals
   The new policy aims to increase the tourism sector’s contribution to the Gross Value Added (GVA) from the current 4.6% to an impressive 28%. The state also plans to raise employment in the sector from 12% to 15%, creating a wide range of job opportunities over the next five years.
3. Enhanced Tourist Experiences
   To encourage longer tourist stays and higher spending, the government will focus on enhancing infrastructure. Plans include:
   • Increasing the number of hotel rooms from 3,500 to 10,000.
   • Setting up tourism circuits to encourage tourists to stay for a minimum of five days.
   • Offering diverse experiences such as adventure tourism, eco-tourism, wellness tourism, and agricultural tourism.
4. Development of Anchor Hubs
   Seven key tourism hubs will be developed across Andhra Pradesh, including:
   • Visakhapatnam
   • Araku Valley
   • Rajahmundry
   • Amaravati
   • Srisailam
   • Gandikota
   • Tirupati
   These hubs will feature world-class facilities and efficient management practices, catering to both domestic and foreign tourists.
5. Thematic Circuits
   Special circuits like Buddhist tourism and spiritual circuits connecting the 12 Jyotirlingas and 18 Shakti Peethas will promote cultural and spiritual exploration in the state.

A Global Vision

Minister Kandula Durgesh emphasized the government’s goal of making Andhra Pradesh one of the top 10 Indian destinations for foreign tourists. By enhancing infrastructure, improving facilities, and diversifying tourism offerings, the state aims to attract global attention and foster sustainable tourism development.

This policy underscores the state’s commitment to leveraging tourism as a key driver of economic and social progress, setting the stage for a thriving tourism sector in the coming years.