Visakhapatnam: Govt intends to improve GDP by tapping tourism potential
Tourism Minister M Srinivasa Rao lighting the lamp on the occasion of World Tourism Day in Visakhapatnam on Monday
Visakhapatnam: Tourism sector will be developed in Andhra Pradesh by dividing the State into four main regions, said Tourism Minister M Srinivasa Rao.
Speaking at the World Tourism Day celebrations at VMRDA Children's Theatre here on Monday, the Minister said efforts were being made to further develop the tourism sector.
He mentioned that tourism in the State earned a revenue of Rs 130 crore a year before the Covid-19 pandemic and the sector was returning to normalcy. Further, he added that a new tourism policy will soon be introduced.
Further, Srinivasa Rao stated that Oberoi Hotels Group has come forward to build hotels in Visakhapatnam and Tirupati. Similarly, 5-star hotels will be constructed in all the 13 districts across the State. The government would provide incentives to attract investors on a PPP model and take the tourism sector way forward, he stated.
Managing Director of AP Tourism Department S Satyanarayana said about 20 tourist packages were in place and a Buddhism circuit will also be developed in Andhra Pradesh. In his keynote address, he said, "Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy's goal is to increase the GDP through State tourism and steps are taken to step forward accordingly."
Later, the Minister unveiled the logo of the AP Hotels Restaurants Association. Traditional dance performances such as Dhimsa, Tappeta Gullu and Bharatanatyam were performed marking the celebrations.
Appreciation certificates were given to hotels, tour operators, boat operators and adventure sports promoters in recognition of their services in tourism development. Certificates were also presented to the students who excelled in various competitions organised earlier.
District Collector A. Mallikarjuna, Tourism Corporation Chairman A Varaprasad Reddy, Mayor G Hari Venkata Kumari, VMRDA chairperson A Vijaya Nirmala, MPs B Satyavathi, G Madhavi, MLAs G Baburao, T Nagireddy, representatives of Hotel Association, Chamber of Commerce and others took part in the event.