Andhra Pradesh’s Minister for Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Kandula Durgesh announced the state’s plans to become a world-class tourism destination, attracting investments worth nearly ₹20,000 crore. The state government has granted industry status to tourism and introduced the Tourism Policy 2024-29, which has attracted investments through 117 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). These projects are expected to generate over 1.22 lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities.
Permissions have been granted for 50 new hotels, adding over 9,000 rooms to the existing hospitality infrastructure. The government aims to create 50,000 hotel rooms across the state within five years through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives.
Domestic tourist arrivals have increased by 17% over the past two years, reaching 37 crore footfalls, while foreign tourist arrivals touched 2.62 lakh. As a result, Andhra Pradesh has improved its ranking from 16th to 13th place nationally in tourism.
Major tourism hubs are being developed in Visakhapatnam, Araku, Rajamahendravaram, Amaravati, Srisailam, Gandikota and Tirupati, supported by 25 thematic tourism circuits. The government is also promoting cruise tourism, caravan tourism, homestays, adventure tourism and wellness tourism.
A special emphasis is being placed on tourist safety through the establishment of a dedicated Beach Protection Force. A Statewide homestay portal, integrating 1,855 homestays, has been launched, while tent cities are being planned at 21 major temples to boost spiritual tourism.
The Central Government has sanctioned ₹428 crore for eight major tourism projects, including Suryalanka Beach, Borra Caves, Gandikota, Annavaram, Simhachalam, Ahobilam and the Nagarjuna Sagar Buddhist Circuit.
Andhra Pradesh recently received the ‘Best Tourism Promotion State’ award, while Araku Valley was recognised with an ‘Instagrammable Landscape’ award.
On the cultural front, the government has revived awards such as Kala Ratna and Ugadi Puraskarams, and is working towards restoring artist pensions and support schemes for Kuchipudi dance teachers. Plans are underway to establish a music college in every district and promote the State’s creative economy through tourism and culture.
Regarding the film industry, Mr. Durgesh announced that the long-pending Nandi Awards would be resumed, including awards from 2025 onwards. A new Film Policy is being drafted, offering incentives, streamlined permissions, and subsidies for film shoots entirely in Andhra Pradesh. The government is also encouraging the development of film infrastructure and a Film Institute in the State.
