Andhra Pradesh is gearing up to revitalize its tourism sector with a new policy focused on circuit and film tourism, as announced by Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh at the “Travel and Tourism Summit-2024” organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). With 23 crore tourists visiting the state last year—90% of whom were pilgrims, primarily to the revered Tirupati temple—the government recognizes the immense potential for growth in diverse tourism offerings.
Minister Durgesh highlighted the initiative to relocate the Telugu film industry to Vijayawada, positioning the city as a burgeoning film destination. “Andhra Pradesh attracts more film shooting agencies than neighboring states like Telangana,” he noted, emphasizing that the shift would not only bolster the entertainment sector but also enhance revenue generation for the state.
The new tourism policy, which promises benefits for all stakeholders, is set to come into effect in April. To support these ambitious plans, Andhra Pradesh expects to receive an allocation of ₹1,000 crore from the central government under the Swadesh Darshan and PRASAD schemes. To address current investment constraints, the state will adopt a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, and major hospitality chains such as the Oberoi and Taj groups have already shown interest in developing projects in the region.
Highlighting the state’s diverse tourism potential, Minister Durgesh noted that spiritual tourism constitutes a significant portion of visitors, with iconic temples like Tirupati, Annavaram, Simhachalam, and Srisailam leading the way. The government plans to develop tourism circuits that connect these spiritual sites, promoting not only pilgrimage but also the rich Buddhist heritage of the state.
During the summit, the minister unveiled the first-look poster of the upcoming film “Jagjivan Ram,” further emphasizing the state’s commitment to fostering a vibrant entertainment culture alongside its historical and spiritual tourism.
With these initiatives, Andhra Pradesh aims to become a premier destination for both spiritual seekers and film enthusiasts, ensuring a comprehensive tourism experience that caters to a wide range of interests.
Leave a comment