Tourism is set to be one of the most vibrant sectors in the days to come up in Andhra Pradesh.
Mega projects are being designed to be implemented across the residual State to make it a hub of international tourists. But things have to wait until the next Cabinet meeting when the new, revised tourism policy will be tabled for approval.
The State government has roped in KPMG consulting firm which is said to be working on an ‘investor-friendly’ tourism policy. The government is keen on attracting investments worth Rs. 10,000 crore by 2020 in this sector. The idea is to promote Andhra Pradesh as a ‘sunrise state’, using the word ‘sunrise’ as a prefix for Andhra Pradesh. An official from Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) said decks were being cleared to promote tourism through private investments and the PPP model by putting in place a ‘single desk’ policy.
The State is keen on making the best of the long coastline Andhra Pradesh is gifted with. Beach resorts and water sports are high on its agenda. District Collectors have been asked to identify ‘safe’ venues for the purpose and they are expected to submit their reports by March-end. Based on the reports, the location of the proposed projects will be finalised.
Infrastructure and Investment Corporation of AP is working on three mega convention centres proposed at Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam and Tirupati. Besides, mini convention centres, star hotels and wayside amenities will come up in about 10 districts of the State, especially in the district headquarters.
Adventure sports like paragliding, river rafting, bungee jumping and wildlife safaris will beckon tourists. Imagine the fun of a ride in an amphibious bus, a vehicle that becomes a means of transport on land as well as on (or under) water. “The forthcoming Godavari Pushkarams will see a trial run of the vehicle which will later become a regular feature,” said the official.
The official said currently, the departments concerned are accessing the feasibility report and the projects may become a reality by the end of this year.
In addition to this, Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu is also keen on bringing into play ‘theme’ tourism like beach tourism, temple tourism, rural tourism, heritage tourism and eco tourism. The idea is to create vast tourism circuits by linking places of tourist potential and offer them in attractive packages.
The government is keen on attracting investments worth Rs. 10,000 crore by 2020 in this sector
