Andhra Pradesh to showcase tourism at London summit as Gandikota project still awaits green light

Andhra Pradesh’s tourism potential is set to gain global exposure next week, as the state gears up to participate in the World Travel Market (WTM) 2025 in London. The visit, scheduled from November 4 to 6, will be led by Tourism, Culture, and Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh, who is expected to hold discussions with around 30 international delegates. The move has been described by officials as part of a renewed effort to place Andhra Pradesh on the global tourism stage.

The visit was officially announced by the Information and Public Relations Department (I&PR) on October 31, confirming that Andhra Pradesh will be represented at one of the world’s largest travel and tourism exhibitions. The WTM, held annually at ExCeL London, attracts thousands of delegates, investors, and travel professionals from more than 180 countries.

According to officials, Minister Durgesh will present Andhra Pradesh’s tourism roadmap, focusing on heritage, eco, and spiritual tourism, while exploring foreign investment opportunities in the hospitality sector. The delegation will include senior officers from the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) and the Tourism Infrastructure Division, who have been tasked with showcasing key destinations such as Visakhapatnam, Tirupati, Amaravati, and Araku Valley.

Global Tourism Focus Areas

The state’s participation in the WTM is being positioned as a major step toward re-establishing Andhra Pradesh’s presence in international tourism markets. The government’s pitch is expected to highlight projects that are “investment-ready,” with well-developed infrastructure, connectivity, and tourism facilities.

Officials have indicated that Visakhapatnam will be promoted as a hub for beach and cruise tourism, Tirupati for spiritual and temple tourism, Amaravati for heritage and capital region tourism, and Araku Valley for eco and coffee-based tourism. These locations were chosen based on their accessibility, tourism infrastructure, and readiness for private investment.

The 2025 delegation marks the first minister-led participation by Andhra Pradesh at the World Travel Market in nearly a decade. Earlier, the state had been represented by tourism officials in 2017 and 2022, during which promotional materials and destination films were presented at the Incredible India Pavilion.

Following Andhra’s participation in 2017, modest growth was reported in tourist arrivals, particularly at Tirupati, Visakhapatnam, and Amaravati, due to increased visibility through the Ministry of Tourism’s Buddhist Circuit initiative. However, direct foreign investment in tourism infrastructure remained limited.

Gandikota Project Remains on Paper

While Andhra Pradesh’s presence at WTM 2025 aims to attract global investors, one of the state’s most promising domestic destinations — Gandikota, popularly known as the “Grand Canyon of India” — continues to await government clearance for its tourism masterplan.

Located in Kadapa district, Gandikota has gained popularity for its dramatic gorge carved by the Pennar River and for the ancient Gandikota Fort, which dates back to the 12th century. Despite its natural beauty and rising domestic tourist numbers, the Gandikota Integrated Tourism Project remains in the proposal stage under the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC).

The project, initially conceived in 2017 under an Asian Development Bank (ADB)-assisted tourism plan, had proposed the creation of riverfront eco-resorts, adventure sports zones, viewing decks, and a ropeway system connecting the fort area to nearby hill points. The estimated cost at that time was between ₹50 and ₹60 crore.

After the change in government in 2019, the proposal was reclassified as an eco-adventure tourism project, in line with the state’s Tourism Policy 2020–25. The plan was sent back to APTDC for revision of its Detailed Project Report (DPR). The DPR was completed in late 2023, but cabinet-level approval was not obtained before the state elections.

Officials confirmed that the revised DPR is still under review, with discussions continuing over whether the project should be developed under a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) or through direct government funding.

Administrative and Environmental Delays

According to APTDC’s internal review (August 2024), the project’s delay has been caused by multiple administrative clearances and land allocation issues. Approximately 60 acres of land around the Gandikota Fort fall under the State Archaeology Department, requiring inter-departmental transfer. Additionally, the Pennar riverfront development component requires environmental clearance under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) norms.

A senior tourism official stated that the Gandikota project is “not being presented at WTM 2025” because it is still “in the preliminary stage of investment readiness.” The focus this year, the official added, is on “projects with immediate potential to attract international collaborations.”

The government has, however, indicated that Gandikota will remain part of the “Eco-Adventure Tourism Cluster Phase-II” in the long-term roadmap, alongside Lambasingi and Kondaveedu Fort. Cabinet-level approval for the revised masterplan is expected in early 2026, following completion of all clearances and the final funding model.

Revenue Potential and Outlook

Despite its exclusion from the global tourism pitch, Gandikota continues to generate significant domestic tourism revenue. As per 2024 figures, around 3.5 to 4 lakh visitors visited the site annually, generating approximately ₹5 to ₹6 crore in local revenue. Tourism officials project that, with full-scale development, Gandikota’s visitor count could reach 10 lakh per year, yielding ₹25 to ₹30 crore in annual income and substantial employment opportunities for local residents.

Officials believe that the completion of the Kadapa–Gandikota highway upgrade and the expansion of Kadapa airport will further improve accessibility, positioning Gandikota for future inclusion in international tourism promotions.

A Step Toward Global Recognition

As Andhra Pradesh prepares to participate in the World Travel Market, emphasis is being placed on rebranding the state as a diverse tourism destination — combining culture, spirituality, nature, and modern hospitality.

While iconic destinations like Visakhapatnam and Tirupati are being showcased to the world this year, projects such as Gandikota represent the next phase of the state’s long-term tourism vision.

With renewed international engagement and ongoing infrastructure planning, Andhra Pradesh’s tourism sector is being steered toward global visibility — even as some of its most spectacular natural treasures await their turn for full development.