Andhra Pradesh has embarked on an ambitious public private partnership (PPP) projects to upgrade its tourism infrastructure. In the coming months, Andhra Pradesh is set to witness investments of over Rs 1,000 crore through public private partnership [PPP] mode in the tourism sector.
The programme is supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, which has already sanctioned Rs 221 crore. This apart, the state is also expecting investment to the tune of Rs 58 crore for new projects. This involves building coastal corridors along the Vizag-Bheemunipatnam sea front and Vizag-Vizianagaram-Srikakulam Regional circuit with Rs 175 crore investment, and eight new beach properties in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, East Godavari, West Godavari, Prakasam and Nellore districts.
Chandana Khan, Special Chief Secretary to the Andhra Pradesh Government (Tourism & Archaeology) and Chairman & Managing Director, APTDC, commented, “We want to showcase to our guests that everything is possible in Andhra Pradesh. Today, the state has much more to offer in terms of virgin locations. We are sure that the new tourism infrastructure will delight the new-generation visitors. We are keen to promote Andhra Pradesh as the most desirable round-the-year tourist destination in India.”
Significantly, the state government is focusing on the development of new and unexplored destinations, and weaning the tourists from the already popular destinations such as the temple town of Tirupati and the megapolis of Hyderabad.
Andhra Pradesh Tourism, with an intention to promote tourism, has accordingly drawn up a high-decibel campaign to attract more visitors and induce them to explore new tourist locations across the state.
Besides upgrading infrastructure, the corporation is promoting awareness about its attractive tourist locations by marketing and promotional activities within the state and at the national level. A sum of around Rs 40 crore is likely to be spent on marketing.
Developing coastal areas and beach properties is integral to this plan. Very soon, APTDC will be operating as many as 9 new beach properties at Baruva and Kalingapatnam (Srikakulam district), Chintapally (Vizianagaram), Kakinada (East Godavari), Perupalem (West Godavari), Ramayapatnam (Prakasam), and Tummalapenta, Maypadu and Kotta Kudur (all in Nellore). Among the special destinations and extremely-scenic locations high on APTDC’s list are: Dindi, Horsley Hills, Bhavani Island, Suryalanka, Vikarabad, Nagarjuna Sagar and Bhadrachalam.
Major cities in Andhra Pradesh are already connected by air, and most of these also have resorts and hotels operated by APTDC under the brand name ‘Haritha’.
The APTDC is also planning to cater to niche groups by promoting packages that are woven around themes such as culture, art, cuisine, textiles, dance, rural, water sports and more.
A few weeks back, APTDC re-launched its website (www.aptdc.gov.in). The portal provides online guidance to tourists and facilitates online booking.
