Shot to tourism

1. ■ Expediting key tourism projects
2. ■ State plans to initially develop eight beaches, focusing on beautification, sanitation, clean water supply, rest room facilities
3. ■ Leverage corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributions
4. ■ Picturesque locales to be monetised through film shootings 

Metro India News | AMARAVATI 

Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Cinematography, Kandula Durgesh announced that plans are underway to organize tourism investors’ summits in Visakhapatnam and Tirupati. During a review meeting held at the Secretariat with tourism department officials, the minister emphasized expediting key tourism projects and investments to boost the sector’s growth in the state.

The review meeting, held at the Secretariat, focused on the progress of various tourism projects. Minister Durgesh instructed officials to ensure rapid completion of pending works while personally overseeing the development initiatives.  

The minister discussed the proposals received during the 2024 Investors’ Summit, which was held in Vijayawada. He stressed the need for quick action to implement these projects, showcasing the state government’s efficiency. Highlighting the significant support from both central and state governments for tourism development, Durgesh urged officials to accelerate ongoing projects.

Minister Durgesh also announced plans to visit prominent tourist locations in the state to personally monitor development works. He encouraged officials to maintain focus and deliver results swiftly.

During the meeting, the minister reviewed proposals from leading hospitality brands, including Oberoi, Mayfair, Taj, Hyatt, Mahindra, and Sterling. He explored potential investments and the incentives to be offered as part of the new tourism policy. He expressed enthusiasm about meeting these investors again to finalize projects and ensure their swift implementation.

The state plans to initially develop eight beaches, focusing on beautification, sanitation, clean water supply, restroom facilities, and other amenities. Minister Durgesh suggested leveraging corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributions from local industrial entities to maintain cleanliness as part of the Swachh Bharat mission.

The minister directed officials to make modernized tourism hotels accessible to visitors by the end of this month and encouraged legislators to submit details of potential tourism spots in their constituencies for consideration.

Highlighting the importance of promoting tourism through cinema, Minister Durgesh proposed engaging celebrities from the film industry to enhance the state’s appeal as a tourist destination. He also discussed the progress of central government-supported projects like the Akhanda Godavari and Gandikota initiatives and directed officials to expedite their execution.

Following the review meeting, Minister Durgesh held discussions with Kumar Vishwajeet, Principal Secretary of the Home Department, on various aspects of the cinematography sector and the upcoming film policy. Congratulating Vishwajeet on his recent promotion to DGP rank, the minister appreciated his contributions to the state.