AP govt promotes tourism and investment opportunities at Global travel fair in London

Andhra Pradesh’s tourism potential was prominently showcased at the World Travel Market (WTM) 2025 held in London, one of the world’s largest international tourism exhibitions. The state’s participation was led by Kandula Durgesh, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Cinematography, Government of Andhra Pradesh, who expressed pride in representing the state on a prestigious global platform.

The minister, along with tourism ministers and delegates from nearly a dozen other Indian states, took part in the inauguration of the Incredible India Pavilion. The Incredible India Pavilion is a recurring feature, but its most recent and prominent location in India was at the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh set up by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.

Later, the Andhra Pradesh Tourism stall was inaugurated by Mr. Durgesh with a graceful Kuchipudi dance performance, symbolizing the state’s classical art and cultural heritage. The stall reflected Andhra Pradesh’s diverse tourism attractions and drew attention from visitors, investors, and travel professionals attending the three-day global exhibition.

Focus on Investment Opportunities

The Andhra Pradesh delegation held one-on-one business meetings with representatives from more than 20 international tour operators, hotel chains, MICE investors (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions sector), global travel media, and major travel magazine publishers. During these interactions, the key highlights of the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Policy 2024–29 were presented, along with details of potential investment opportunities across various tourism circuits in the state.

The policy, which was announced by the Government of Andhra Pradesh in mid-2024, aims to position the state among the top five tourism destinations in India by 2029. It provides a range of incentives for investors, including 100% reimbursement of SGST for up to seven years, capital subsidies of up to ₹2 crore for projects in backward areas, and stamp duty exemptions for eligible tourism ventures. Public–Private Partnership (PPP) models have been encouraged to attract domestic and global investors into areas such as eco-tourism, coastal tourism, heritage restoration, and spiritual circuits.

Tourism Circuits and Attractions Promoted

At the London exhibition, Andhra Pradesh’s major tourism circuits were actively promoted. The Coastal Tourism Circuit highlighted the pristine beaches of Bheemili, Yarada, Kakinada, Kothapatnam, and Vodarevu, emphasizing the government’s plans for sustainable blue-flag beach development. A Blue Flag beach in India is a beach that has been awarded a globally recognized eco-label for meeting 33 strict criteria related to environmental sustainability, safety, cleanliness, and educational facilities. The Spiritual Tourism Circuit featured world-renowned destinations such as Tirupati, Srisailam, Simhachalam, Annavaram, and Ahobilam, which attract millions of pilgrims every year.

Heritage tourism was promoted through iconic sites like Amaravati, Lepakshi, Chandragiri Fort, Gandikota, and Nagarjunakonda, while the state’s eco and adventure destinations such as Araku Valley, Lambasingi, and Papikondalu were also showcased for their scenic charm and potential for nature-based tourism. Andhra Pradesh’s living traditions including Kuchipudi dance, Burrakatha, Leather Puppetry, and Kalamkari art were presented to highlight the state’s vibrant cultural identity.

Prospects for Global Investment

It was projected by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department that if the ongoing international outreach efforts succeed, the state could attract investments worth ₹6,000–₹8,000 crore in the tourism sector by 2029. The Visakhapatnam coastal region, Tirupati–Srisailam spiritual corridor, and Amaravati–Vijayawada heritage zone were identified as the most promising areas for future investments.

In Visakhapatnam, large-scale projects such as beach resorts, cruise terminals, and convention facilities are expected to draw significant private participation. The Tirupati–Srisailam corridor is likely to witness heavy investment in hospitality and faith-based tourism infrastructure, while the Amaravati riverfront is being developed for heritage circuits and river cruises along the Krishna River.

Emerging eco-tourism destinations such as Araku Valley, Lambasingi, and Kakinada–Konaseema backwaters are also being promoted for eco-lodges, adventure trails, and backwater cruises. These regions are anticipated to receive growing attention from both domestic and international investors, particularly those interested in sustainable and experiential tourism.

Commitment to Sustainable Development

Mr. Durgesh emphasized that the government is fully committed to supporting investors and ensuring ease of doing business in the tourism sector. The state’s tourism policy also prioritizes skill development, with a plan to train 50,000 youth in hospitality, guiding, and allied services to meet the workforce needs of upcoming projects.

He stated that Andhra Pradesh is determined to place itself firmly on the Global Tourism Map while generating employment and economic opportunities for local communities. The minister assured that sustainable tourism practices would be promoted to protect the state’s natural and cultural resources.

India’s Strong Presence at WTM 2025

The World Travel Market (WTM), organized annually in London by RX Global, is one of the most prestigious events in the global travel and tourism calendar, attracting participation from over 180 countries. India’s pavilion this year witnessed strong participation from states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Goa, Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh, each promoting their distinct tourism products and cultural offerings.

Through its active participation at the WTM 2025, Andhra Pradesh’s delegation reaffirmed the state’s commitment to welcoming international collaborations, investments, and partnerships aimed at sustainable tourism development.It was stated by the minister that Andhra Pradesh’s participation was a matter of privilege and pleasure, as the event provided an opportunity to highlight the state’s cultural richness, natural beauty, and investment potential before a global audience.