The aim is to establish 10,000 home stays and the creation of 50,000 employment opportunities

kiranmai tutika I amaravati

Andhra Pradesh tourism is undergoing a transformative shift with the rapid expansion of the Home Stay and Bed & Breakfast Policy, positioning the state as a new address for experiential and community-based tourism under the timeless ethos of “Atithi Devo Bhava.”

Moving beyond conventional tourism centred only on destinations, the new approach integrates local culture, traditional hospitality, and everyday rural life into the travel experience. Spearheaded by Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh, the initiative is reshaping the tourism landscape by empowering ordinary households, particularly in rural and tribal regions, to emerge as micro-entrepreneurs.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, the government accorded industry status to tourism and unveiled the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Policy 2024-2029. The policy sets ambitious targets, including the establishment of 10,000 home stays and the creation of 50,000 employment opportunities, laying a strong foundation for inclusive economic growth.

A key highlight of the policy is the revival of traditional “Manduva Logili” heritage homes. By restoring historic houses and converting them into tourist accommodations, the government aims to preserve architectural heritage while offering visitors an authentic glimpse into Andhra Pradesh’s traditional lifestyle. From coconut groves of Konaseema to adventure stays near the Gandi Kota gorge, home stays are expanding tourism beyond conventional circuits.

To ensure seamless participation, the government simplified the registration process through a dedicated online portal. Partnerships with global hospitality platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com have enabled even remote village homes to gain international visibility. Additionally, more than 20,000 families have received structured training, enhancing service quality and professional standards.

The initiative has already begun delivering tangible economic impact. In tribal regions of Visakhapatnam Agency areas, local youth are converting their homes into sustainable income sources, while traditional cuisine and indigenous hospitality are finding global recognition.

Speaking to Metro India, Minister Kandula Durgesh said, “The true success of the home stay revolution lies in presenting local hospitality to the world while providing lasting economic security to thousands of families. With strong policy support and coordinated efforts, Andhra Pradesh is going to redefine tourism, not merely as travel, but as a people-driven economic movement, making the state’s legendary hospitality a new global destination.”