Tourism is in for a big fillip in both TS and A.P. with the Centre coming forward to fund various projects. While tourist spots affected by Hudhud in A.P. are set to receive a new lease of life, thanks to the Rs.100 crore assistance from the Centre. The TS tourism department also recently sent DPRs worth Rs. 80 crore for which it had received in principle approval.
According to sources in the tourism department, 34 detailed project reports (DPR) were sent by AP tourism to the Centre with a cost overlay of Rs. 194 crore early this year. After Hudhud struck, the Centre had decided to prioritise infrastructure development in tourist sites along the coast in Visakhapatnam district which were badly affected by the cyclone.
“We are waiting for financial sanction and release,” an official said, requesting anonymity. Only a part of the funds would be used for restoration and reconstruction work, with a bulk of funds set to be used for infrastructure upgrade. Cyclone Hudhud which hit Visakhaptnam the hardest had forced the government to restrict access to tourist spots along the coastline for nearly a week.
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Besides Hudhud affected areas, AP tourism also sought funds for development of Buddhist sites, coastal tourism in Srikakulam, and Anantapur mega circuit.
Meanwhile, the Telangana tourism is set to announce a heritage-museums package aimed at foreigners visiting Hyderabad.
As part of the package, visitors will visit museums starting with State Museum, Nizam’s Museum in Purani Haveli, Salarjung Museum, Chowmahalla Palace, Charminar before visiting Golconda Fort. The cost of the package is Rs. 350 excluding entry tickets and lunch services. The package is open to Indians and foreign tourists.
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