The State Tourism Department has shifted its focus towards attracting the international tourists and taken the Kakinada-Hope Island-Konaseema tourism circuit project as its maiden venture in the new mission.
The department is going to invite international bidders for preparing a detailed project report (DPR) for the Rs. 70 crore project being funded by the Union government under the ‘Swadeshi Darshan’ scheme. “Our aim is to involve consultants of international repute in the making of the DPR. As they knew the taste of international tourists, the outcome will certainly be attracting the foreigners,” says Neerabh Kumar Prasad, Principal Secretary (tourism and culture) to the State government. Speaking to The Hindu on the sidelines of the foundation stone laying ceremony of the tourism circuit project here, Mr. Neerabh observed that very few foreigners were visiting the State every year.
“In 2013, AP stood third in the domestic tourism sector. When it comes to international tourism, it is in the 19th place at the national level. The statistics clearly indicate that there is a lot to do here to attract the international tourists,” he points out.
Though the funds earmarked by the government for the tourism circuit project are Rs. 70 crore, the department is planning to make it as Rs. 300 crore project by inviting bids from the private players under the Public Private Partnership mode.
Officials will invite international bidders for preparing a detailed project report
The Rs. 70 crore project being funded by the Centre under the ‘Swadeshi Darshan’ scheme
