From Our Correspondent
London: Andhra Pradesh Minister for Tourism Kandula Durgesh announced that the state government is extending attractive incentives and industrial benefits to investors in the tourism sector under its new Tourism Policy. The minister made the remarks while participating in the World Travel Market (WTM) 2025 Exhibition in London on Tuesday.
Durgesh said the policy aims to encourage both domestic and international investors by granting industrial status to tourism projects and ensuring ease of clearances, tax incentives, and infrastructure support. “Andhra Pradesh is one of India’s most promising destinations for sustainable tourism investment, with its long coastline, heritage sites, and growing hospitality infrastructure,” he said.
During his visit, the minister held discussions with Hari Daggubati, UK-based Leading Asia Travels expert; Anthony Kingsay, founder of AK Travels Agency; Krish Port, MICE specialist at CMCO, and Jekku Kurian Kuriakose, Director of Tamil Nadu Tourism Board.
Responding to questions from global stakeholders on why Andhra Pradesh should be considered for tourism investments, Durgesh highlighted the state’s strategic location, robust connectivity, skilled manpower, and investor-friendly governance.
He noted that under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Andhra Pradesh is positioning itself as a hub for experiential, coastal, and eco-tourism, with special emphasis on Visakhapatnam, Amaravati, and Tirupati as key destinations.
The minister invited UK-based travel and hospitality firms to explore collaboration opportunities at the upcoming CII Partnership Summit 2025 in Visakhapatnam, saying the government will provide “every possible facilitation” for investors entering the state’s tourism sector.