APTDC Chairman Dr. Nukasani Balaji said Andhra Pradesh's tourism sector has attracted investment proposals worth ₹19,400 crore, with the potential to create 92,000 jobs under the state's new tourism policy.
Mangalagiri, June 23: Andhra Pradesh is witnessing a significant influx of investments into its tourism sector, driven by the coalition government's proactive policies and investor-friendly approach, according to Dr. Nukasani Balaji, Chairman of the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC).
Addressing the media at the TDP Central Office in Mangalagiri on Tuesday, Dr. Balaji said the state's tourism sector has attracted Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth ₹19,400 crore, with the potential to create nearly 92,000 jobs. He noted that since the introduction of the new tourism policy in September 2024, Andhra Pradesh has emerged as a preferred destination for tourism investments.
According to the APTDC Chairman, of the 65 proposed tourism projects, Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for 40 projects have already been submitted. The State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB) has approved 18 projects worth ₹4,376 crore, while seven projects with investments of ₹188 crore have already become operational.
Dr. Balaji highlighted several initiatives aimed at boosting tourism, including major festivals in Visakhapatnam, Araku, Anakapalli, and Amaravati. He said water tourism activities have been revived at locations such as Srisailam, Nagarjuna Sagar, and Papikondalu, while plans are underway to establish a cruise tourism hub in Visakhapatnam.
The government is also upgrading several beaches to international Blue Flag standards, developing tent cities in key tourism destinations, and expanding ropeway and boating facilities across the state. Additionally, tourism infrastructure is being strengthened through projects supported by central schemes, including heritage and eco-tourism destinations such as Simhachalam, Annavaram, Gandikota, Suryalanka, and Borra Caves.
Balaji said the government aims to significantly expand accommodation capacity and create a robust tourism ecosystem capable of attracting both domestic and international visitors. He credited Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Minister Nara Lokesh for prioritizing tourism as a major growth engine for the state's economy.
The APTDC Chairman also criticized the previous YSRCP administration, alleging that several tourism opportunities remained unutilized during its tenure. He urged the public to focus on ongoing development initiatives and the investment momentum being witnessed in the sector.
