Andhra Pradesh tourist guest houses anger Chief Minister

 

Mr Naidu informed officials of the potential of  tourism that can be developed into a major revenue earning sector in Andhra Pradesh, and directed the officials to prepare modalities to hand over maintenance of tourist spots, guest houses and hotels to “private agencies of international repute”.

 

Tourism and other departments like roads and buildings have been asked to confine their role to construction of tourist-related facilities.

 

Speaking at the district collectors’ conference held in Vijayawada on Thursday, Mr Naidu said the maintenance of tourism projects should be done by expert agencies, which can be given a part of tourism revenue as their share. Proper care and maintenance of tourist spots, and buildings will go a long way in attracting foreign and domestic tourists, Mr Naidu said.

 

Sources close to the Chief Minister said that Mr Naidu also directed the district collectors to focus on development of various temples and promote them as religious tourist sites. The director-general of police and other senior officers have been asked to maintain law and order to attract tourists and  investments from abroad as well as the country. 

 

On red sanders smuggling, he directed  district collectors and superintendents of police of Chittoor and Kadapa districts to ensure that red sanders smuggling is curbed. “A clear message was given to  officials that the TD government would support them in every step they take to minimise corruption,” said a source.