AP State to make most of tourism

Amaravati: The new tourism policy 2020-25 announced on Tuesday aims at promoting the tourism sector in the state in a big way. Though the Tourism sector can be a major revenue earner and growth engine providing direct and indirect employment to many, the state's potential has not been exploited properly.

While Gujarat could convert white desert into a tourist hub, Andhra Pradesh badly lags in providing infrastructural facilities to attract national and international tourists despite having many potential tourist spots.

In the backdrop of this, the new tourism policy intends to build world class luxury resorts and tourism infrastructure to attract large-scale investments to make the state a preferred tourism destination.

The state government issued orders for a package to support the tourism sector by providing relief on loans. The government also proposes to extend working capital loans through commercial banks and provide interest subsidy.

The government proposed to extend interest subsidy at 50 per cent on the loan for the first 12 months subject to a maximum of 4.5 per cent for one year. The state government approved a package of Rs 198.5 crore for hotels/ function halls/ restaurants and service providers extending interest subsidy at 50 per cent on the loan for 12 months.

The new tourism policy will remain in force till March 31, 2025. Special Secretary to Government Rajat Bhargava issued orders to this effect.

The order stated that the state government is committed towards socio-economic development of the state regarding the tourism sector as one of the key growth engines for the economy of the state and crucial for employment generation.