AP Promoting Peace Through Tourism: CM Naidu
38 get AP Tourism Excellence Awards, several projects tourism projects launched
VIJAYAWADA: Several projects were launched on Friday, marking World Tourism Day celebrations in the state in the presence of Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu.
The main event was held at the Tummalapalli Kshetrayya Kalakshetram here with the theme, "Tourism and Peace."
In the presence of Naidu, tourism minister Kandula Durgesh announced the state government’s plans to transform AP into a leading tourism destination.
The AP Tourism Excellence Awards were presented at the event to 38 individuals, hailing their contributions to this sector. Cultural performances by children highlighting the state’s rich heritage captivated the audience.
Naidu and Durgesh jointly inaugurated the Vimala Regency in Adoni, Kurnool district in online mode. This project is expected to create 250 jobs and is executed with an investment of Rs 100 crore.
A light and sound show at the Chandragiri Fort was also launched. It would provide employment to 15 persons with an investment of Rs 6 crore.
Another notable feature of the day was the inauguration of a Buddha statue in Bojjankonda, Anakapalli district, demonstrating the region's Buddhist heritage. It involves a fund component of Rs 7.32 crore.
Additionally, the Indian railway catering and tourism corporation and the state tourism development corporation signed an agreement to offer combined rail and road travel packages.
Durgesh said the government’s goal is to promote peace through tourism. He expressed confidence that tourism would flourish in the state thanks to chief minister Naidu’s vision and initiatives. Various central government schemes, such as Swadesh Darshan and PRASAD are being leveraged to promote tourism in AP, which would generate substantial employment opportunities, he said.
Durgesh confirmed that the state government is committing Rs 1,000 crore for tourism development, including the Rs 500 crore earmarked for projects in Amaravati alone. Iconic tourist centres are planned for Srisailam, Akhanda Godavari, Surya Lanka Beach and Sangameswaram. A comprehensive report detailing these initiatives would be submitted to the central government by October 15 so as to launch a host of new tourism projects in the next two years.