Metro India News | amaravati

In a move that could potentially transform the tourism landscape of Andhra Pradesh, the state government is planning to rope in Walt Disney to Andhra Pradesh, that too in Anantapur. The ambitious proposal is part of the state’s larger vision to position Andhra Pradesh as a premier tourism and entertainment hub on the East Coast.

According to senior officials, the Chief Minister recently has directed the Tourism Department to reach out to global entertainment giant Walt Disney and initiate talks for establishing a Disney World City near Anantapur. The government is preparing a comprehensive project concept highlighting Anantapuram’s strategic location, available land, and infrastructure advantages. The initiative is expected to be presented to Disney executives in the coming months.

“Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has consistently emphasized that Andhra Pradesh should not only be known for its agriculture and industry, but also as a leading destination for world-class tourism and leisure. A Disney World City near Anantapur would be a landmark achievement, attracting millions of visitors annually,” said A Srinivas, CEO, AP Tourism Authority.

Anantapur district, located close to the Bengaluru-Hyderabad-Chennai industrial corridor, is seen as an ideal location because of its connectivity and land availability. The proposed site is expected to benefit from the proximity of the Bengaluru International Airport, national highways, and upcoming regional infrastructure projects.

Officials also believe that placing a Disney World City in the Rayalaseema region could trigger large-scale economic development in an area historically seen as drought-prone and economically backward. “Such a project would not only put Anantapur on the global map but also provide massive employment opportunities for local youth,” Srinivas added.

Walt Disney currently operates six major resorts worldwide, including in Orlando, Paris, Tokyo, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. Each of these destinations has proven to be a long-term economic driver, drawing millions of tourists, spurring hospitality and real estate growth, and generating significant revenues.

“While several states in India have previously explored the possibility of hosting a Disney theme park, none have materialized so far due to high investment costs, regulatory complexities, and land acquisition challenges. Andhra Pradesh, however, hopes to leverage its investor-friendly policies, political will, and geographical advantage to make the project a reality,” said Minister for Tourism Kandula Durgesh.

If Disney were to agree, the project would be a game-changer. A single Disney World typically spans thousands of acres and involves billions of dollars in investment. Beyond entertainment, such developments often lead to urban growth, with hotels, convention centers, and residential projects mushrooming around them.

The Tourism Department will begin formal engagement with Disney through detailed presentations and roadshows. Initial discussions are expected to focus on feasibility, land availability, and potential public-private partnership models. While the project is still in its early conceptual phase, the government is keen to position Andhra Pradesh as the frontrunner in attracting Disney’s investment in India.