Minister for Tourism and Culture Kandula Durgesh on Tuesday (May 6) said the department will strive to achieve 20% growth in the State’s tourism sector.
Speaking after attending a review meeting on tourism sector at the Secretariat under the Chief Minister’s leadership, the Minister said that based on his suggestions to conduct year-long programmes to develop the sector, annual and quarterly action plans have been prepared, which, he said, will be implemented effectively.
The Minister said steps have already been taken to design a tourism festival calendar; organise night safaris and dolphin shows; and build 150 Araku coffee stalls and experience centres. “Programmes, tailored for each area, will be organised in all tourist destinations across the State,” he said, adding that a monthly report on tourism progress would be submitted to the Chief Minister.
He said based on the proposals of MPs and MLAs, comprehensive tourism centres in the districts will be developed, and District Collectors would preside over meetings to prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for effective implementation of the proposed projects.
The Minister said new initiatives will be launched to facilitate diverse tourism experience to make tourists’ visits memorable. He said the Central funds allocated for tourism projects will be utilised with utmost responsibility.
Informing that approvals and incentives to investors interested in the tourism sector will be fast-tracked, he spoke about a proposal to develop islands in the State, including the Bhavani Island and Hope Island. Work had started to set up tent cities with 180 tents in six locations, including Araku and Gandikota, he said, adding that houseboats will soon be made available for tourists in Rajamahendravaram, Vijayawada, Bheemunipatnam (Berampark) and Suryalanka.
The Minister said besides upgrading the existing hotels and resorts, new ones will be established. Mega events and national and international fairs will also be organised, he said.
Mr. Durgesh said that a few locations in the State had been identified for introducing ropeways and over 500 homestays had been recognised across tribal, heritage, rural and urban areas in the State.