Andhra Pradesh Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh on Tuesday directed officials to target ₹25,000 crore in tourism investments and facilitate the creation of 50,000 lodging rooms across the state to boost the tourism sector.
In a review meeting with officials, Durgesh stressed the need for large-scale promotion of Andhra's tourist destinations and urged aggressive marketing efforts across major Indian cities.
"Officials should target ₹25,000 crore tourism investments and establish 50,000 rooms in the state. There is a need for large-scale publicity to promote Andhra Pradesh's tourism destinations across the country," said Durgesh in an official release.
He also asked officials to prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) to utilise central schemes like Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) and Swadesh Darshan.
He instructed officials to conduct major roadshows in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata and Mumbai, alongside priority development of Akhanda Godavari, Gandikota, Suryalanka Beach, Rushikonda, temple tent cities and Buddhist circuits.
Officials were directed to fast-track works at Kakinada NTR Beach, Uppada Beach and quickly complete work under the PRASAD scheme at Simhachalam and Annavaram temples.
The Minister said the union government is positive about setting up a modern Tourism Bhavan in Amaravati and this is the right time for investors. He urged officials to attract quick investments.
He directed officials to coordinate with irrigation, endowments, and forest departments regarding tourism development.
He further instructed officials to organize World Tourism Day celebrations on September 27 on a grand scale at Suryalanka Beach.