In an effort to make Andhra Pradesh a global tourism destination, Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department Principal Secretary Neerabh Kumar Prasad took part in “The JATA Tourism Expo Japan 2015” where the AP stall was inaugurated by Deepa Gopalan Wadhwa, ambassador of India to Japan.
The annual expo is seen as one of the most attractive and productive tourism events participated by representatives of over 100 nations.
Mr. Prasad had meetings with members of Japan Buddhist Federation who expressed deep interest in visiting Amaravati, Nagarjuna Konda and other Buddhist sites in Andhra Pradesh.
Highlighting the potential of Andhra Pradesh as a tourist destination, Mr. Prasad said that the main sites included the beaches in and around Vizag, the hill stations, the backwaters of Kakinada and Konaseema, the Hope Island and the Coringa Mangroves, and also the Buddhist circuits linking Amaravati and Nagarjuna Konda.
“Our upcoming Buddhist circuits will attract both domestic and international tourists. Amaravati’s ancient connection with Buddhism brightens the prospects of it becoming a global city,” he said.
Mr. Prasad also highlighted the government’s elaborate plans to promote water sports, beach tourism, spiritual tourism, eco-tourism, caravan tourism and heli-tourism. “With various beaches, hilltops, abundant flora and fauna, we will ensure that the beauty of these places is restored, without polluting them.”
An MoU was signed with My Theatre Japan. “We have had fruitful discussions and we want to take this forward to bring in more number of tourists to the State of Andhra Pradesh,” Mr. Prasad added.
