Latest news with #APTDC
Hans India
16 hours ago
- Business
- Hans India
Durgesh outlines vision for AP tourism, calls for more support from investors
Vijayawada: Tourism minister Kandula Durgesh on Friday emphasised the critical need for investor cooperation to accelerate tourism projects, develop robust infrastructure, provide world-class experiences for tourists, and ensure benefits for local communities. He participated on the second day of the AP Tourism Conclave Tech AI 2.0 jointly organised by the Global Forum for Sustainable Tourism and APTDC. Durgesh said that Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's decision to grant industrial status to the tourism sector has significantly boosted its development. 'This is the opportune moment for investors to invest,' Durgesh declared, contrasting the current government's proactive approach with the 'lack of tourism development' in the state over the past five years. Durgesh stressed that the government's primary objectives are economic development and job creation for youth in Andhra Pradesh, with tourism playing a pivotal role in the development of all regions. He noted that the Centre has already sanctioned hundreds of crores of rupees through schemes like Swadeshi Darshan 2.0, PRASAD, SAASKI, and CBDD. The minister confirmed that tourism development would be pursued through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models. He outlined the state's goal to showcase its 974 km long coastline, natural beauty, and historical monuments to the world. He also revealed that Europeans have expressed interest in investing in wellness centers in AP. He gave details of six key areas guiding AP's tourism sector: Branding, marketing, product development, projects, investments, partnerships, tech enablement, creative economy and capacity building. The minister invited investors to put their money into AP, promising a free and conducive environment. He urged them to forget the 'shadows of sorrow' from the previous government, emphasising the long-term tourism pathways being laid and the commitment to improving employment opportunities in the sector. 'Andhra Pradesh tourism is conducive to investments. Share your ideas with the government, and it's our responsibility to provide assurance when you come with investments,' he added.
New Indian Express
17 hours ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
APTDC signs MoUs worth Rs 10.3k crore at tourism conclave
VIJAYAWADA: In a significant boost to the tourism sector, the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) signed 82 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for investments amounting to Rs 10,329 crore during the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Conclave Tech AI 2.0. The MoUs, signed in the presence of Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, span wellness, eco-tourism, caravan tourism, hospitality infrastructure, homestays, and digital solutions. Launching the AP Tourism Digital Calendar, the Chief Minister said the investments reflect restored confidence in the State's governance and vision. 'Tourism is not just an economic activity; it is a tool for empowerment, employment, and environment-friendly development,' he said. Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh said the partnerships align with the 2024–29 Tourism Policy, which grants industrial status to the sector. The policy offers 100% stamp duty exemption, electricity duty reimbursement, SGST incentives, and fast-tracked approvals. The MoUs include plans for luxury resorts, spiritual circuits, heritage restoration, medical and wellness tourism. APTDC MD Amrapali Kata said real-time dashboards will monitor project milestones and investor facilitation to ensure transparency and accountability. GFST Director Ch Kutumba Rao and Vice Chairman SP Tucker said the State is poised to lead in tourism-driven development.
New Indian Express
17 hours ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Star Hotels Association submits reforms wishlist to CM Chandrababu Naidu
VIJAYAWADA: As part of the Tourism Tech AI 2.0 Conclave, representatives of the Andhra Pradesh Star Hotels Association met Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu and submitted key proposals to strengthen the tourism sector. The delegation included prominent hospitality leaders such as Prabhu Kishore (Novotel Varun Group), Gokaraju Ganga Raju (Lemon Tree Premier), Rajaiah (Taj Vivanta), Muttavarapu Murali Krishna (Fortune Murali Park), and Sharan Vallur (GRT Grand), along with Association President RV Swamy, General Secretary S Murthy Chitturi, and Vice President Venkat. In the presence of Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh, Special Chief Secretary (Tourism) Ajay Jain, APTDC Chairman Nukasani Balaj, and APTDC MD Amrapali Kata, the delegation urged the government to extend industrial status benefits—such as concessions on electricity, water, and property tax—to all existing star hotels, not just new ones. While acknowledging that investment subsidies rightly apply to new projects, they sought recurring incentives for all operational hotels to ensure equitable treatment. The hoteliers also appealed for reclassification of star hotels under the green category in environmental clearances, instead of the current orange or red tags, to ease compliance burdens. Naidu and Durgesh assured the stakeholders that their suggestions would be reviewed carefully.
Hans India
21 hours ago
- Business
- Hans India
Naidu unveils vision to turn AP into global tourism hub
Vijayawada: Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu on Friday unveiled an ambitious vision to position Andhra Pradesh as a global destination of tourism, emphasising its role as an engine for economic growth, employment generation, and cultural promotion. Addressing industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders at a tourism conclave here, the Chief Minister said his goal is to make Andhra Pradesh a wealthy, healthy, and happy state. "Andhra Pradesh will be the future destination for wellness and happiness. My goal is a wealthy, healthy, happy Andhra Pradesh - that is the goal I have set," he said. He extended a special invitation to Baba Ramdev, who attended the conclave as the special guest, to serve as a spiritual guide and advisor, urging him to actively promote wellness tourism in the state. Observing that one in every ten jobs created globally comes from the tourism sector, Naidu said it generates eight jobs for every Rs 1 lakh invested, more than sectors like IT, manufacturing, and agriculture. Naidu outlined plans to grow the sector's employment share from 12 per cent to 15 per cent and increase its contribution to the state's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) from Rs 74,000 crore to Rs 2.4 lakh crore by 2029. From the 19,500 hotel rooms currently available in the state, Naidu said the target is to scale up to 50,000 rooms in the next four years. Naidu also spoke about the inclusive Homestay Policy, which aims at establishing over 10,000 homestays across tribal, rural, coastal, and heritage regions. The government is actively developing seven tourism anchor hubs: Visakhapatnam, Araku, Rajahmundry, Amaravati, Srisailam, Gandikota, and Tirupati. Additionally, over 25 thematic circuits are planned, including 10 temple circuits, five coastal routes, four river routes, two cruises, two Buddhist circuits, and three eco-tourism trails, he added. Dispelling the notion that tourism investment is exclusive to the wealthy, the Chief Minister presented the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Policy 2024–29 as a 'game changer'. Tourism has now been granted industry status across all segments, he pointed out. Ajay Jain, Special Chief Secretary, Youth Advancement, Tourism and Culture Department, also spoke. Amrapali Kata, Managing Director, AP Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC), unveiled a tourism growth dashboard for real-time performance monitoring. On the occasion, the Chief Minister launched Andhra Pradesh's Tourism Digital Calendar, along with a new brochure, strategy paper, and the annual tourism event schedule. APTDC also signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) worth Rs 10,329 crore in the Chief Minister's presence. Naidu also officially flagged off the state's Caravan Tourism initiative. This new programme offers modern, mobile travel solutions for families and groups, designed to boost tourism in lesser-known destinations, create employment opportunities, and support sustainable regional development.
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Two-Day Tourism Conclave Tech AI 2.0 commences in Vijayawada
VIJAYAWADA: The new tourism policy introduced by Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu is progressive, inclusive and investor-friendly, aiming to attract private investment and create world-class tourism experiences, Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) Chairman Nukasani Balaji said. At the two-day 'Tourism Conclave Tech AI 2.0' that began in Vijayawada on Thursday, Balaji said Andhra Pradesh is entering a golden era of tourism-led development. The policy focuses on spiritual, coastal, ecological, adventure, and heritage tourism, supported by fast-track clearances and incentives. 'Our vision is to position Brand Andhra as a blend of tradition and innovation—a global destination for spiritual and experiential tourism,' Balaji said, adding that real-time smart technologies, improved accessibility, and eco-friendly practices are being introduced. APTDC is also set to sign key MoUs with private players to build integrated tourism infrastructure. Andhra Pradesh, he said, offers diverse experiences, from Buddhist heritage and serene beaches to wildlife sanctuaries and spiritual yatras. APTDC Managing Director (MD) Amrapali Kata said the government aims to attract `25,000 crore in private investment and increase classified hotel rooms from 4,500 to over 20,000. She noted that AP ranked fourth in domestic tourist arrivals in 2023, registering a 32% growth from 2022. The Chief Minister will launch Caravan and Caravan Parks on Friday, she added. Concluding her address, Amrapali quoted Naidu's statement: 'Capitalism, Communism, Socialism and all other 'isms' may become irrelevant, but tourism will remain the only relevant ism.' Swarnandhra P4 Foundation Vice-Chairman C Kutumba Rao said tourism holds vast direct and indirect employment potential, with each `1 crore investment generating significant job creation.
