With the advantage of being strategically positioned on the south-eastern coast of the country and endowed with a rich cultural heritage, stunning beaches, historical sites, serene valleys and pilgrimage destinations to boot, Andhra Pradesh aims to become a leading tourism destination for both domestic and international travellers.
The new Tourism Policy (2024-29) formulated in alignment with Swarna Andhra Vision 2047, which envisions transforming Andhra Pradesh into a $2 trillion economy, has been identified as a cornerstone of this agenda.
The State ranks third in domestic tourism, attracting 278 million domestic visits annually, alongside 0.18 million foreign visitors. In response to the evolving tourism preferences, technological advancements and growing competition, officials at the helm of the department, chose to leverage the State’s distinctive assets to promote niche segments like eco-tourism, cruise tourism, beach circuits and backwater tourism, offering immersive experiences.
As anchor hubs play a key role in providing diverse tourism experiences including beach tourism, river cruises, spiritual tourism, wellness, heritage, adventure and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions), seven anchor hubs have been identified in Visakhapatnam, Tirupati, Araku Valley, Rajamahendravaram, Amaravati, Srisailam and Gandikota. These are proposed to be developed under a ‘hub-and-spoke’ model. Araku Valley and Tirupati have been prioritised for short to medium-term development, while the remaining five hubs are planned for long-term development.
Thematic circuits will dot the State’s tourism landscape in the days to come with the government planning to establish over 25 such circuits. They include two Buddhist circuits, 10 temple circuits, five beach circuits, four cruise circuits, three eco-tourism circuits, two sea cruise circuits and seaplane circuits.
The Buddhist circuits would be centred on Amaravati/Nagarjuna Konda and Visakhapatnam, connecting key Buddist landmarks to offer tourists an immersive journey through Buddha’s teachings and heritage. Prominent sites like Shalihundam, Thotlakonda, Bojjanakonda, Amaravati stupa, Undavalli caves and Nagarjuna Konda will serve as the main attractions, showcasing the historical and archaeological significance of Buddhism in the region. Collaborations with global Buddhist associations to host Buddhist conferences, festivals and other events include the plan.
The proposed 10 temple circuits would be developed around spiritual destinations of Simhachalam, Srisailam, Ahobilam, Annavaram, Tirupati, Kanipakam, Lepakshi, Vijayawada, Dwaraka Tirumala and Shakti Peetha.
With a 974-km coastline, the second largest in the country, there is ample opportunity to develop a vibrant beach tourism in Andhra Pradesh. The proposed five beach circuits will be developed in the coastal areas of Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam, Kakinada, Nellore and Machilipatnam.
The four cruise circuits would be developed around the Krishna and Godavari, while the three eco-tourism circuits include Srikakulam-Visakhapatnam circuit, East Godavari-Guntur circuit and Kurnool-Nellore circuit, proposed to be groomed around destinations known for the ecological and natural significance. They are Araku Valley, Belum Caves, Nallamalla Wildlife Sanctuary, Kondapalli forest, Gandikota, Erramatti Dibbalu, Papikondalu and Kadiyam Nurseries.
The State, through the Tourism Department, also has plans to develop luxury sea cruise routes originating from Visakhapatnam and connecting to prominent domestic ports and international destinations.
The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) has identified eight strategic locations for seaplane operations at Araku-Lambasingi, Visakhapatnam, Rajamahendravaram, Konaseema, Vijayawada, Srisailam, Gandikota and Tirupati. The APTDC will partner with private entities through Public Private Partnership model to execute its plan.
In the hospitality sector, the government intends to increase the classified room inventory from 3,500 to 10,000 through both Greenfield and Brownfield development approaches. Grooming key tourist destinations into destination weddings spots, MICE tourism, homestays and Bread and Breakfasts, development of road network, film tourism and heli tourism are some of the other priority areas.
Published – December 11, 2024 07:52 pm IST
