Amaravati, Feb 13 (NationPress) The government of Andhra Pradesh has established an ambitious goal of achieving a 20% growth in the tourism sector by the fiscal year 2025-26.

During a meeting on Thursday, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced that within six months of the TDP-led NDA assuming power, agreements have been made with multiple companies for investments totaling Rs 1,217 crore.

He convened a review session at the State Secretariat to discuss tourism, cultural initiatives, the creation of hotel accommodations, land leasing policies, and home-stay options.

Naidu instructed the officials from the Tourism Department to implement every possible strategy to ensure that visitors to Andhra Pradesh have a delightful experience. He emphasized the importance of utilizing all available resources to enhance tourism in the state and attract visitors from around the world.

During the meeting, he shared that 11 tourism resorts and hotels have been revitalized with an investment of Rs 45 crore in the past six months, and that the Annavaram temple has been designated under the PRASAD scheme by the central government.

Additionally, Gandikota and Akhanda Godavari have been chosen for the Special Assistance to States under Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme, while Araku and Lambasingi are included under Swadesh Darshan-2.0.

He pointed out that Ahobilam and Nagarjuna Sagar have been selected for the Challenge-Based Destination Development initiative.

The officials informed the Chief Minister that a Tourism Events Calendar is being planned for 2025-26 to draw in tourists. This initiative will include two major international events and twelve significant activities as part of a total of 37 tourism events.

Naidu proposed that major events could be held on university campuses, incorporating musical culture into these activities.

He also recommended organizing year-round programs at the Shilparamams located in Visakhapatnam, Amaravati, and Tirupati. Additionally, he urged officials to focus on the distribution of the Nandi Awards.

Noting that Gandikota is recognized nationally for its water features, rock formations, and lush greenery, he expressed a desire for further promotion to bring in more tourists.

He mentioned that Kadapa Darga, Ontimitta Ramalayam, and Somasila should also be developed as tourist hotspots, along with further enhancements to Srisailam. He suggested modernizing the traditional homes still present in villages and improving the culinary offerings at Tourism Hotels.

Recognizing that many people are unaware of the zoo parks in Tirupati and Visakhapatnam, he emphasized the need for effective publicity to attract more tourists. He directed officials to finalize the action plans for these projects within 90 days and ensure that visitors experience Andhra Pradesh as a Happy State in the next four months.