Latest news with #TourismConclaveTechAI2.0
Hans India
a day ago
- Business
- Hans India
Tourism Tech AI 2.0 Conclave: AP Star Hotels Association proposes key recommendations to CM
Vijayawada: Representatives from the AP Star Hotels Association met with Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh, Special Chief Secretary Ajay Jain, APDCC Chairman Nukala Balaji, and APTA CEO Amrapali Kata as part of the Tourism Conclave Tech AI 2.0. The delegation presented their suggestions on tourism development, technology utilisation, and policy implementation. The delegation included prominent industry figures such as Prabhu Kishore (chairman, Novotel Varun Group), Gokaraju Gangaraju (chairman, Lemon Tree Premier), Malineni Rajayya (MD, Taj Vivanta), Muthavarapu Murali Krishna (MD, Fortune Murali Park), RV Swamy (President, AP Star Hotels Association), S Murthy Chitturi (General Secretary), Venkat (Vice-President), and Sharan Valluru (MD, GRT Grand Vijayawada). During the meeting, the association highlighted the benefits of leveraging AI-powered technology and digital tools in the tourism sector to enhance service quality and strengthen operational efficiency. The Chief Minister responded positively to the idea of partnering with the industry. A primary request from the association was to extend the full benefits of 'Industry Status' (including power, water, and property tax subsidies) not only to newly constructed hotels but also to existing star hotels operating in the State. While acknowledging that capital subsidies would apply only to new projects, they urged for recurring benefits to be equally applicable to all hotels. Additionally, the association proposed that hotels be classified under the 'Green Category' in environmental regulations, rather than Orange or Red. Both Chief Minister Naidu and Tourism Minister Durgesh responded favourably, assuring the delegation that their proposals would be carefully considered and addressed appropriately. The two-day conclave was spearheaded by SP Takkar, former Chief Secretary and Chairman of the Global Foundation for Sustainable Transformation (GFST). Delegates from various sectors were divided into six thematic groups, engaging in 3-4 hour discussions. All recommendations were presented to the Chief Minister by Ajay Jain (IAS). Notably, more than 150 MoUs were signed during the conclave. The AP Star Hotels Association affirmed its unwavering commitment to collaborate with the government to further strengthen the tourism sector in the State.
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.
