AP Tourism Partners Rapido to Launch Driver-cum-Guide Programme for Tourists

Andhra Pradesh is working to transform its tourism sector by strengthening the tour guide ecosystem and creating employment opportunities for youth , according to Tourism and Culture Minister Kandula Durgesh . The initiative forms part of the state’s long-term development strategy under the Swarna Andhra Tourism Vision-2047 and the Tourism Policy 2024–29 , which aim to expand tourism activities and attract wider participation from startups, freelancers, and students . The government believes that empowering young people as knowledgeable storytellers of the state’s history and culture will help build a sustainable tourism-driven economy.

The minister said tour guides and tour operators serve as the backbone of the tourism industry , playing a crucial role in shaping the experiences of visitors exploring Andhra Pradesh. Echoing the vision of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu , he noted that training youth to present the state’s rich heritage to global visitors would strengthen tourism while opening new avenues for entrepreneurship. As part of this effort, the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department , in coordination with the NTR district administration , recently organised a specialised guide training programme for the Vijayawada–Amaravati tourism circuit , enabling several young participants to become micro-entrepreneurs in the sector.

One such example is Abhiram , who completed the government training and now offers guide services to visitors at key destinations including Kondapalli Fort , Gandhi Hill , Undavalli Caves , and the Amaravati Stupa . With training in historical interpretation and communication skills, he now assists international tourists while also creating indirect livelihood opportunities for local youth through a small community-based tourism network.

The state is also promoting specialised tourism segments such as heritage tourism and textile tourism to highlight traditional crafts. Under the guidance of tourism expert Navaldeep, curated tours now connect major weaving centres such as Srikalahasti , Machilipatnam , Mangalagiri , Uppada , Venkatagiri , Bobbili , Ponduru , and the Godavari–Konaseema region , attracting visitors from countries including Britain and Italy while supporting local artisans and communities.

In another innovative step, the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority (APTA) partnered with mobility platform Rapido to launch a unique ‘Driver-cum-Guide’ training programme in Vijayawada. Around 280 taxi and auto drivers were trained to explain the historical and cultural significance of tourist attractions, helping provide visitors with a more engaging and informative travel experience.

To further enhance tourism promotion, the department collaborated with Jignasa Artworks to develop more than 20 curated tourism experiences within the Amaravati tourism circuit . These experiences are now available on global booking platforms such as BookMyShow and GetYourGuide , making it easier for travellers to discover organised tours and cultural experiences in the region.

Minister Durgesh said that with the support of senior officials including Ajay Jain and Amrapali Kata , the government is building a tourism ecosystem driven by innovation, training, and entrepreneurship . As Andhra Pradesh moves forward with the Swarna Andhra Vision-2047 , initiatives that empower young tourism professionals are expected to play a key role in strengthening the state’s tourism economy and employment landscape.