Latest news with #KandulaDurgesh
Hans India
2 days 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
2 days 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
2 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Minister Durgesh asks investors to back Andhra Pradesh's tourism vision
VIJAYAWADA: Tourism, Culture, and Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh called on investors to partner with the Andhra Pradesh government in transforming the State into a world-class tourism hub by 2047. Speaking on the second day of the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Conclave Tech AI 2.0 in Vijayawada on Friday, Durgesh said tourism development is a top priority for the coalition government led by Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu. He highlighted that Andhra Pradesh offers an investment-friendly ecosystem and the government is open to ideas and committed to providing support. 'We have granted industrial status to tourism, introduced a new tourism policy for 2024–29, and are paving the way for sustainable, responsible, and tech-enabled tourism,' he said. The minister highlighted the State's 974-km coastline, natural landscapes, and cultural heritage, saying these assets will be showcased globally. He said hundreds of crores have been sanctioned under central schemes such as Swadesh Darshan 2.0, PRASAD, and CBDD. Key initiatives include the `94.44 crore Akhanda Godavari Tourism Project and upcoming policies in eco and adventure tourism. He also emphasised branding, marketing, tech enablement, and the creative economy. Calling on investors to 'forget the shadows of the past', Durgesh described tourism as a powerful tool for economic growth, cultural promotion, and employment.
Hans India
3 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
Rajahmundry will be in world tourism map in two years, says Shekhawat
Rajamahendravaram: Union minister for culture and tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, state tourism minister Kandula Durgesh, and Rajamahendravaram MP Daggubati Purandeswari laid the foundation stone for the prestigious Akhanda Godavari Tourism Project at Pushkar Ghat in Rajamahendravaram on Thursday. The project, with an estimated cost of Rs 94.44 crore, aims to transform the region into a world-class tourism destination. Speaking on the occasion, Union minister Shekhawat said that the project will create over 8,000 direct and indirect jobs and attract 35 lakh tourists annually by 2035. He stated that the Centre had sanctioned over Rs 450 crore for various tourism projects in Andhra Pradesh through flagship schemes such as Swadesh Darshan, PRASAD, SHAKTI, and Challenge-Based Destination Development (CBDD). Stressing the significance of Akhanda Godavari, Shekhawat noted that the project would elevate Rajamahendravaram to global tourism prominence by 2027, in time for the next Godavari Pushkaralu. He appreciated the combined efforts of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, and minister Kandula Durgesh in shaping innovative tourism strategies. The funds under the SHAKTI scheme will be used to revamp heritage sites like the 127-year-old Havelock Bridge, developing it into a multi-functional tourist hub with theme parks along its 1.2 km span. Other initiatives include light and sound shows at Puttaparthi and Araku, cruise and cargo terminals at Vizag Port, and the modernization of Tirupati Railway Station. Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan noted Rajamahendravaram's cultural richness, naming iconic figures like Dokka Seethamma and poet Nannayya as its legacy. He stated that revamping the Havelock Bridge into a tourism site was a long-cherished dream of the people. He added that the coalition government is committed to the holistic development of Andhra Pradesh, and tourism is a major driver, with the potential to generate around 4 lakh jobs. MP Purandeswari promised efforts in Parliament to designate Rajamahendravaram as a Heritage Cultural Capital and ensure existing monuments are preserved during the riverfront development. She underlined the city's importance in India's tourism growth. Tourism minister Kandula Durgesh said the Akhanda Godavari project would include attractions such as the Havelock Bridge, Bridge Lanka, Picchuka Lanka, Pushkar Ghat, Kadiyam nurseries, Nidadavolu Kota Sattemma Temple, and the Godavari Canal, all to be developed as a single tourism circuit. District in-charge minister Dr Nimmala Ramanaidu criticised the previous government for stalling development and said the present coalition government is steering the state from destruction to reconstruction. MLAs Adireddy Srinivas, Gorantla Butchaiah Chowdary, MLC Somu Veerraju, collector P Prasanthi and others participated. Later, the foundation was laid for a new permanent building at the AP State Forest Academy at Diwancheruvu. Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan said a permanent building would be built with the ₹18 crore for the AP State Forest Academy. He said that the state government's mission to increase green cover to 23 per cent, as envisioned by CM Chandrababu Naidu. Minister Kandula Durgesh, MLAs Battula Balaramakrishna, RUDA Chairman Boddu Venkata Ramana Chowdary, SP D. Narasimha Kishore, and APFDC MD Dr R P Khajuria also attended the event.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
MoUs worth ₹10,328 cr to be signed at tourism tech conclave
A two-day 'Andhra Pradesh Tourism Conclave- Tech AI 2.0' kicked off in Vijayawada on Thursday, bringing together stakeholders from various sectors of tourism on a common platform, eager to explore the State's tourism landscape. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Minister for Tourism Kandula Durgesh will attend the second day event on Friday (June 27). As many as 82 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed pertaining to projects worth ₹10,328 crore. These investments are expected to create 22,325 jobs in over 7,600 hotel keys. Of the total 82 MoUs, 47 are related to hotel development, three for amusement parks and 32 others for water sports, sea cruises, adventure activities, homestays and caravans. The inaugurated session saw participation of former Chief Secretary S.P. Tucker, who is now heading the Global Forum for Sustainable Transformation (GFST), Tourism Secretary Ajay Jain, CEO and Managing Director of Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation Amrapali Kata along with other department officials. The participants were a blend of IAS officers, nodal officers, E&Y consultants, academic experts and industry leaders. They engaged in six thematic panel discussions on creative economy, products and projects, investments, tech AI, branding and marketing and capacity building. The panel discussion on creative economy was chaired by the Commissioner, Department of Handlooms and Textiles Rekha Rani, the panel on 'products and projects' was divided into two key segments of hotels, MICE and heritage, led by IAS officer Krishna Teja. Adventure tourism was moderated by the Managing Director of Antara Cruise Raj Singh. Discussion on investments was moderated by Ms. Amrapali, tech AI by CEO of Real Time Governance Society (RTGS) Prakhar Jain, branding and marketing by Director, Information and Public Relations Himanshu Shukla and discussion on capacity building was moderated by the Managing Director, Society for Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP) V. Karuna.
