India State of Andhra Pradesh carving out impressive tourism destination

The southern Indian State of Andhra Pradesh (AP) is going all out to carve out an impressive place in the tourism arena. The state, part of which is now in Telengana, is focusing on building the new capital area of Amravati.

At a well-organized workshop on January 11 in Delhi, State tourism officials listed the many areas which are awaiting investment. The officials gave facts and figures to drive home the point that AP has a bright future. This view was supported by Suman Billa, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, and Nakul Anand, who heads FAITH apex body and ITC hotels.

Some of the areas identified include the destination as a film city, golf courses, heritage hotels, and MICE facilities. The hotel landscape is set to change with many hotels in the pipeline in the short and long term.

As the infrastructure and connectivity is improving, sustainability is just as important to the state. Buddhist tourism is also a focus to give a boost in the state, which has so far mainly been in the spotlight in the States of Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Bihar.

The AP leadership, with Chief Minister Chanderbabu Naidu in the lead, is working on a strict time-bound plan not only in tourism but in all sectors to make the state a leader in tourism. Both the World Bank and the Tourism Ministry have lauded the work already done in easing the steps of doing business.