New Tourism Policy of A.P. govt. eyeing investments of ₹25,000 crore in PPP mode

The government is keen on tapping the potential of temples, adventure, wellness, agri and ecotourism, says Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh

Andhra Pradesh Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh on Tuesday (December 17) said the government was willing to extend all possible help to private investors interested in development projects in the tourism sector.

Speaking after launching the new Tourism Policy- 2024-2029 at a ‘Tourism Investors’ Conclave”, jointly organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry and A.P. Chambers of Commerce and Industry Federation in Vijayawada, the Minister said after investing deep thought, the new Tourism Policy-2024-2029 was formulated with a thrust on an integrated approach.

“In the past, the government was doing some projects, the private parties had developed some, but they either languished or perished due to lack of proper maintenance,” he said, adding that the government was eyeing investments of ₹ 25,000 crore in the State in Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) mode.

The Minister said it was not financially viable for government alone to develop tourism projects across the State. “We invite investors to come forward and invest in this sector. We are assuring all possible help,” he said.

Andhra Pradesh has the second-longest coastline in India, measuring 974 km and it is endowed with rich natural resources, he said and urged the investors to make the most of the opportunity.

He said the government had accorded industry status to the tourism sector, which would facilitate subsidies to the investors who come forward to develop projects.

Referring to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s statement that there was a shortage of rooms in the hotel industry and the need to add 50,000 more rooms, Mr. Durgesh said development had taken a backseat in the last five years.

“Many aspiring investors had expressed disappointment over the lack of opportunities to invest in tourism projects. The new Tourism Policy has been designed keeping in view the demands and aspirations of all stakeholders who can invest in the State without fear or apprehensions,” he said.

He said the government was keen on tapping the tourism potential offered by various categories such as temples, adventure, wellness and agri and ecotourism.

Central projects

The Minister informed that the State would receive the Central funds for two projects— ‘Akhanda Godavari’ project and beautification of the Gandikota Fort in Kadapa district.

Earlier, Tourism Secretary Vinay Chand and Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation Managing Director K. Amrapali explained to the investors the various categories and areas that offered opportunities for new projects.

Scarce government land

Informing that government land was a scarce resource, Mr. Vinay Chand urged the prospective investors to take note of this. “Gone are the days when 100 or 200 acres of land was granted for projects. We are creating land banks with the help of the district Collectors and want you to restrict the land requirement to a bare minimum when you prepare the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs),” he said.

APTDC Chairperson N. Balaji, A.P. State Hotels Association president R.V. Swamy were also present.

Published - December 17, 2024 10:58 pm IST