State signs 117 MoUs with companies

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh revealed that the state has signed MoUs with 117 companies, attracting nearly Rs 20,000 crore in tourism investments, which are expected to create over 1.22 lakh direct and indirect jobs. As part of tourism infrastructure expansion, permissions have been granted for 50 new hotels, adding 9,042 rooms to the existing capacity. Forty-two hotels are currently under construction and are expected to generate over 48,000 employment opportunities.

The minister said domestic tourist arrivals in Andhra Pradesh have increased by 17 percent, reaching 37 crore footfalls, while foreign tourist arrivals touched 2.62 lakh. As a result, the state has improved its national tourism ranking from 16th to 13th place.

Major tourism hubs are being developed at Visakhapatnam, Araku, Rajamahendravaram, Amaravati, Srisailam, Gandikota and Tirupati. The government is also creating 25 tourism circuits and promoting cruise tourism, caravan tourism, homestays, adventure tourism and wellness tourism.

To strengthen tourism infrastructure, the Centre has sanctioned Rs 428 crore for eight key projects, including Suryalanka Beach, Borra Caves, Gandikota, Simhachalam, Annavaram and Ahobilam. These projects are targeted for completion by July 2026.