From Our Correspondent
Melbourne (Australia): Andhra Pradesh Minister for Education, IT and Electronics Nara Lokesh met Steve Dimopoulos, Minister for Environment, Tourism and Sports of the State of Victoria, to explore cooperation in tourism promotion, sports development, and sustainable skills initiatives.
During the meeting, Lokesh noted that Victoria is globally renowned for its heritage tourism and environmental branding, and invited the state’s collaboration to develop eco-tourism and heritage circuits in Andhra Pradesh, particularly around Papikondalu and Visakhapatnam’s beaches. He suggested that Victoria share its expertise in eco-certification, tourism marketing, and destination branding on the lines of the Great Ocean Road model.
Highlighting Andhra Pradesh’s 1,053-km coastline, Lokesh proposed joint R&D programmes on coastal resilience using climate technology, similar to Victoria’s Port Phillip Bay Project. He also invited collaboration in waste management, circular economy, and carbon-neutral tourism initiatives to promote sustainable growth.
Lokesh urged Victoria to assist Andhra Pradesh in hosting global sporting and cultural events, inspired by the Melbourne Grand Prix, and to provide training to event management professionals in the state.
Proposing joint cricket and hockey training camps and friendly matches, Lokesh called for student exchange programmes in sports science between Andhra Pradesh and Victoria. He also sought support for developing adventure tourism hubs in Araku (for trekking) and Pulicat (for water sports), with Victoria’s certification and training for adventure guides and rangers.
Lokesh further requested Victoria’s cooperation in green jobs and renewable energy skill development, drawing on its success in offshore wind and solar projects, to prepare Andhra Pradesh’s youth for future-ready employment in sustainable industries.
Minister Dimopoulos welcomed the proposals and expressed Victoria’s willingness to explore partnerships in tourism, sustainability, and sports exchange with Andhra Pradesh.