Government to pump in whopping sum to boost tourism

APTDC chairman V Jayarami Reddy says plans are afoot to invest Rs 10,000 crore to provide employment to 5 lakh people in tourism sector
Claims that govt has taken up temple tourism circuit to boost tourists in Ralayaseema and other spots

Tirupati: Plans are afoot to pump in Rs 10,000 crore investments in tourism sector to generate about 5 lakh employment by 2020, said Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) chairman V Jayarami Reddy.

Speaking at the `Tourism and Food Processing Investors Meet’ here on Saturday, Jayarami Reddy said that keeping in view the high tourism potential in the State with its natural attractions like long coastline, rivers etc.

Government has drawn an ambitious plan to boost tourism in a big way for economic development and employment. With regard to Rayalaseema, he said government has taken up `Temple Tourism circuit’ with an outlay of Rs 70 crore, linking the famous temple from Srisailam to Tirumala to promote religious tourism.

APTDC managing director M Girijasankar said that in the investors meet held in the State so far as many as 70 RFP (Requests for projects) were received including 20 from hospitality sector, seven resorts, five convention centres, 10 water sports, way side amenities, beach fronts etc. which will be processed soon for approval.

The APTDC would extend required support like consultancy, bank finance etc. to the investor coming forward to take up any tourism project for promotion of tourism in the State, he said.

In this connection, he said many major tourist attractions in Rayalaseema like Pedda Darga in Kadapa city which can be developed on the lines of Ajmer Darga and Gandikota which is the Grand Canyon of India, with its amazing natural rock formations, fort and Pennar river, Belum caves in Kurnool district and other attractions remain untapped in the tourism point for want of facilities and publicity.

Tirupati Chamber of Commerce president Manjunath and other investors attended the meet stressed on the initiatives for the pilgrims to extend their stay after pilgrimage to Tirumala to boost up tourism.

Despite about a lakh of pilgrims visiting Tirumala daily they are now returning immediately after darshan as there are no attractions like cultural, craft centres, water sports, malls etc.Regional tourism director, Chandramouli, district tourism officer Chandramouli Reddy and others were present.