AP aims to make Tirupati a global tourism hub

In a major push to revitalize the state's tourism sector, State Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh announced that Tirupati will be developed as a premier "anchor hub" and a leading destination for both domestic and international tourists. The vision was unveiled at a Regional Tourism Investors Summit held at the Taj Hotel in Tirupati on Friday, an event designed to attract private investment and establish a new roadmap for the industry.

Minister Durgesh led the summit, where he presented the state's strategic plan to a gathering of investors, industry leaders, and home-stay operators. He outlined the government’s commitment to making Andhra Pradesh a top-tier tourism destination, highlighting the new Tourism Policy 2024-29 and the accompanying tourism land allocation policy. These new policies are a cornerstone of the government's strategy, designed to simplify regulations, provide clear guidelines, and create an investor-friendly ecosystem.

A key component of the new policy is granting industrial status to the tourism sector. This move is expected to unlock a range of benefits for businesses, including access to a single-window clearance system for faster project approvals, tax breaks, and subsidies on essential services like electricity and water. Minister Durgesh also detailed the various incentives being offered by the coalition government to attract investment, including concessions on state GST, which is set to be a significant financial relief for developers.

The minister’s message resonated with investors, with whom he held special discussions on the vast opportunities available in Tirupati. He emphasized the city’s potential, not just as a global pilgrimage center, but as a gateway to exploring the rich cultural, natural, and historical sites across the region. He also assured investors of the central government’s full cooperation and support.

Minister Durgesh highlighted that the new coalition government has already secured nearly Rs. 12,000 crores in tourism investments during its first year in power. He pointed to this figure as a clear and strong sign of growing investor confidence in the government's stable governance and forward-looking policies. This investment is expected to fund the development of new resorts, hotels, and infrastructure, which will, in turn, create jobs and boost the local economy.

The summit was attended by key officials and political leaders, including Tirupati MLA Arani Srinivasulu, Sullurpet MLA Vijayasri, Tourism Special Chief Secretary Ajay Jain, APTDC MD, and APTA CEO Amrapali, demonstrating the government's unified approach to making tourism a major economic driver for the state. The event concluded with a strong message of partnership, urging the private sector to collaborate with the government in shaping a prosperous future for Andhra Pradesh's tourism industry.