Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has reiterated the commitment of the State government to the promotion of tourism in a big way and called upon tour operators and service providers to chip in with their ideas to tap the huge tourist potential in Andhra Pradesh. He was speaking at the inaugural of a two-day national convention of domestic tour operators of India, organised by the Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI), here on Friday.
The Chief Minister said: “We are for the promotion of both domestic and international tourism in AP. Tourism is one sector in which gives the maximum benefits with little investment. Not only investors, but also the government is also getting the maximum revenue with little spending.”
He called upon the delegates to make Visakhapatnam as a tourism hub. While in other sectors like industry and agriculture, the government was extending various incentives and concessions, the returns were not guaranteed.
Outlining the advantages of AP, Mr. Naidu said that the 1,000-km long coastline, excellent beaches, Buddhist circuit, backwaters of Konaseema and temples could attract tourists not only from across the country but also the world. “The beaches of Visakhapatnam are comparable to those in Goa. The lack of publicity was the reason for comparatively lesser footfalls. Araku and Borra Caves are about 100 km from the city,” he said.
He said that government was committed to develop Amaravathi as one of the top five cities in the world.
Referring to Bill Gates describing Visakhapatnam as one among the best cities in India, earlier during the day, Mr. Naidu said he had invited the Lu Lu Group, which set up a convention centre and shopping malls in Cochin, to establish a convention centre and shopping mall on the APIIC Grounds near the RK Beach.
Tourism Minister Bhuma Akhilapriya spoke on the efforts being made to promote adventure sports and cultural traditions. A tourism calendar has been prepared to hold 24 mega events during the year.
ADTOI president P.P. Khanna, vice president Rajit Sahani, general secretary Chetan Gupta, Principal Secretary (AP Tourism) M.K. Meena, Collector Pravin Kumar and Executive Director of APTDC Sriramulu Naidu were present.
