Tourism will be key industry of future: Minister Durgesh

Visakhapatnam: Andhra Pradesh Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh said tourism will be the key industry of the future, assuring investors that the state government will extend all possible support and provide all necessary guarantees to those investing in the state’s tourism sector. Addressing the 31st CII Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam, the Minister invited investors to become partners in the state’s ambitious mission to establish Andhra Pradesh as one of the world’s leading tourist destinations. He said every rupee invested in the tourism sector would contribute to the state’s development and help secure a better future for lakhs of families.

On the second day of the summit, MoUs related to tourism sector were exchanged for 10 projects worth Rs 860 crore, while Government Orders (GOs) were exchanged for two projects valued at Rs 336 crore in the presence of the Tourism Minister. He recalled that Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister K Pawan Kalyan, with the support of the Centre, had accorded industry status to the tourism sector.

As a result, tourism investors are now eligible for incentives and concessions available to other industries. This policy initiative helped Andhra Pradesh attract investments worth approximately Rs. 20,000 crore from domestic and international investors over the past two-and-a-half years, he said. The minister highlighted the state’s vast forest areas, scenic tribal regions and diverse natural attractions as major tourism assets. He said the government’s primary objective was to strengthen local communities by creating sustainable livelihood opportunities and improving their standard of living.

He emphasised that tourism development should benefit ordinary people at the grassroots level. Opportunities in culinary services, handicrafts and tourist guiding could significantly improve local livelihoods and ensure that the benefits of tourism reach communities directly. Durgesh further added that the government is prioritising the development of infrastructure and facilities at hotels, resorts and tourist destinations to make Andhra Pradesh a preferred destination for domestic and international visitors.

Photo caption: Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh at the CII Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam |on Friday

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Vasu Potnuru

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Potnuru Srinivasa Rao (Vasu Potnuru) is an experienced journalist specialised in politics, sports, crime, general topics and tribal stories. With 18 years of writing and reporting expertise, he contributes to The Hans India's editorial department as Principal Correspondent based in Visakhapatnam. Vasu Potnuru completed his Bachelor of Business Management. Earlier, he worked as a staff reporter in a leading Telugu vernacular. During free time, the journalist spends time listening to music, playing cricket and shuttle badminton. Vasu Potnuru, an accomplished writer, honed his expertise in various genres such as politics, crime, sports and general topics. He received an award from the HYBIZ Media Awards for the Best Rural Story in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Also, he bagged the Best Crime Reporter Award in Visakhapatnam. He serves in different unions of working journalists and contributes to service activities.

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