Andhra Pradesh Plans High-Level Committee to Boost Tourism
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Amaravati, March 25 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu, proposed the establishment of a high-level committee headed by the Chief Secretary to enhance the tourism sector in the state.
During a review meeting focused on tourism, the Chief Minister emphasized the goal of providing 50,000 accommodation units by 2029.
He instructed officials to facilitate the creation of 10,000 homestays in prominent tourist areas and implement a rating system for these homestays, in response to the growing number of visitors to the region.
Plans are underway for significant development of beaches stretching from Baruva to Nellore, as well as the enhancement of eco-tourism circuits in locations such as Araku Valley, Maredumilli, and Chintapalli.
The Chief Minister called for the creation of caravan parks in 10 to 15 locations, allowing families to safely explore nature with adequate facilities.
The state government aims to establish caravan parks and tent cities, targeting 1,000 units by the time of the Godavari Pushkarams.
Plans also include amusement parks in Tirupati and Visakhapatnam, along with promoting eco- and temple tourism in collaboration with the forest and endowments departments.
Chief Minister Naidu underlined the necessity to expedite the development of key tourist attractions like Gandikota, Suryalanka Beach, and Borra Caves. Officials were directed to finalize the Godavari Pushkar Ghat works by August and complete restoration projects on the Havelock Bridge by December to ensure tourist access.
Seaplane services under the UDAN scheme, along with water aerodromes in Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Srisailam, Gandikota, and Kambham Cheruvu, will be promoted, alongside cruise tourism from Visakhapatnam and Krishnapatnam Port.
Highlighting the importance of a creative economy, the Chief Minister expressed his vision for Amaravati to transform into a Creative City, fostering content creation and cultural industries.
He mentioned that actor Sanjay Dutt has shown interest in investing in such initiatives.
Officials reported that the state welcomed 309.2 million tourist visits last year, with a notable 21 percent increase during the first nine months of the current year.
The government is determined to maintain this growth through comprehensive tourism planning, including the development of temple tourism circuits.