AP Will Be No.1 Tourism Destination In The World MoUs Worth ₹10,329 Crore Signed

"AP Will Be No.1 Tourism Destination In The World:" CM Chandrababu Naidu at Andhra Pradesh Tourism Conclave Tech AI 2.0

CM flags off Caravan Tourism in AP

All other 'isms' may fade, but Tourism is the one 'ism' that will survive

Tourism Can Create Wealth And Promote Inclusive Growth

CM Inaugurates AP Tourism Digital Calendar  

MoUs Worth ₹10,329 Crore Signed in Presence of CM

Amaravati, June 27: Speaking at the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Conclave Tech AI 2.0 held today in Amaravati, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu unveiled an ambitious vision to position Andhra Pradesh as a global leader in tourism. Addressing a gathering of industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders, the Chief Minister described tourism as the engine of future growth and emphasized its central role in driving economic transformation, employment generation, and cultural promotion. He was joined by special guest, Yogrishi Baba Ramdev, on the occasion. The Chief Minister appreciated the efforts of the Global Forum for Sustainable Transformation (GFST) across all four sectors it has contributed to, particularly in tourism, and expressed confidence in its ability to deliver impactful results.

CM Invites Cancer Survivor to Share Inspiring Yoga Journey
The Chief Minister invited Ms. Gayatri, a cancer survivor, to share her personal experience with yoga. Diagnosed earlier with malignant cancer, Gayatri credited yoga with helping her recover and become cancer-free. She had traveled from Australia to India to seek treatment. The CM applauded her courage and story, stating it highlights the power of natural healing methods. "Yoga must be central to our wellness journey," he said, referencing the record-setting success of the recent Yogandhra event. 

Andhra Pradesh to Become a Global Wellness and Happiness Hub
Citing Gayatri’s journey, CM Chandrababu Naidu emphasized the need to promote yoga and natural wellness. He declared, “Andhra Pradesh will be the wellness and happiness destination of the future.” He invited Baba Ramdev as a spiritual guide, inviting him to promote wellness tourism in the state and take on an advisory role.

“Tourism is the Only ‘-ism’ That Will Thrive in the Future”
Highlighting the sector’s transformative power, CM Chandrababu Naidu said, “All other ‘-isms’ may fade, but tourism is the only ‘-ism’ that will survive.” He reinforced the idea that tourism is not only a cultural and economic catalyst but also a sustainable engine for inclusive development.

Tourism: The Ultimate Job Generator
“Globally, one in every ten jobs is from tourism,” the CM noted. He emphasized the sector’s potential to create eight jobs for every ₹1 lakh invested, more than IT, manufacturing, or agriculture. He shared plans to grow the sector’s employment share from 12% to 15%, and increase its contribution to GSDP from ₹74,000 crore to ₹2,40,000 crore by 2029.

Empowering Communities Through Homestays
CM Chandrababu Naidu spoke about the inclusive Homestay Policy, with a target of 10,000+ homestays across tribal, rural, coastal, and heritage regions. “From 19,500 rooms today, we aim to scale up to 50,000 rooms by 2029,” he said. Emphasizing local empowerment, he added: “Earlier I said, one family, one IT professional. Now I say, one family, one entrepreneur,” underscoring plans for innovation through the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub.

AP Aims to Be the No.1 Tourism Destination in the World
“Andhra Pradesh has the best temples, 21 of them generate wealth,” CM Chandrababu Naidu declared. From ancient cities and a 1,000 km coastline to forest reserves and riverine systems like the Godavari and Krishna, he outlined the state's natural and spiritual assets. The government is developing 7 anchor hubs, Visakhapatnam, Araku, Rajahmundry, Amaravati, Srisailam, Gandikota, and Tirupati, and over 25 thematic circuits, including 10 temple circuits, 5 coastal, 4 river routes, 2 cruises, 2 Buddhist, and 3 eco-tourism trails.

A Win-Win Opportunity for All
Breaking the myth that only the wealthy can invest in tourism, the CM presented the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Policy 2024–29 as a game changer. Tourism has now been granted Industry Status across segments, with incentives like 100% stamp duty exemption, electricity duty reimbursement for five years, SGST reimbursements for up to 15 years, and fast-tracked clearances under the “Speed of Doing Business” initiative. “Speed of doing business in real-time will cut red tape. I’m ready to introduce more reforms if needed,” he affirmed.

Tourism for Inclusive Growth and Wealth Creation
“Whatever other states are doing, I shall add +2 to it,” said CM Chandrababu Naidu, reiterating Andhra Pradesh’s goal to become India’s top tourism destination. He spoke of the P4 model (Public-Private-People Partnership for Prosperity), aimed at inclusive development and poverty eradication. “I used to walk 6 km for school. Human beings have extraordinary powers. Empower them, and there’s no limit to development,” he said. “Your money is safe, don’t miss this opportunity,” he told potential investors.

Technology Meets Tourism: Smart Governance for Smart Travel
The CM outlined how initiatives like WhatsApp governance are transforming the state's administrative efficiency. “Don’t work hard, work smart,” he said. Dispelling fears about technology replacing jobs, he remarked, “Jobs won’t go; people will spend less time doing them,” highlighting technology’s role in enhancing work-life balance.

At the conclave, CM Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the tech-powered roadmap to transform Andhra Pradesh’s tourism landscape presented by top officials. Mr. Ajay Jain (IAS), Special Chief Secretary, YAT&C Department, presented the state's vision. Ms. Amrapali Kata (IAS), MD of APTDC and CEO of APTA, unveiled a Tourism Growth Dashboard to monitor performance in real-time. Tirupati Joint Collector Shubham Bansal (IAS), with GFST, launched the Tirupati Dashboard, offering tourists live access to local services. GFST showcased a digital suite including targeted marketing, smart communications, and a command center for personalized itineraries and tourist safety. Mr. Suman Billa (IAS), Additional Secretary and Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, described Andhra Pradesh as a prime destination for exponential tourism growth, underlining the need to bridge demand-supply gaps and enhance the overall visitor experience.

Digital Tourism Calendar Launched, MoUs Worth ₹10,329 Crore Signed
On the occasion, the CM launched Andhra Pradesh’s Tourism Digital Calendar, along with a new brochure, strategy paper, and annual tourism event schedule. The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) signed MoUs worth ₹10,329 crore in his presence.

Launch of Caravan Tourism
CM Chandrababu Naidu flagged off the state's Caravan Tourism initiative, offering modern, mobile travel solutions for families and groups. This innovative model is designed to boost tourism in lesser-known destinations, create jobs, and support sustainable regional development.

Baba Ramdev Backs AP's Wellness Vision
Yogrishi Baba Ramdev lauded CM Chandrababu Naidu’s leadership, stating, “Just as the world embraces yoga through us, they can learn transformative governance from CM Chandrababu Naidu.” He called for the development of Horsley Hills as an international wellness destination integrating yoga, Ayurveda, and naturopathy. He announced plans to set up Patanjali wellness centers across the state and suggested promoting scenic locations as premium wedding venues, celebrating Indian traditions.
CM Chandrababu Naidu responded by promising full support, including an airport at Madanapalle, to boost wellness tourism.

Concluding the event, CM Chandrababu Naidu announced that the state would conduct an annual review of its tourism initiatives to ensure transparency and accountability to the people. “Tourism is the only sector that gives both happiness and health,” he said, encapsulating the spirit of his vision for Swarna Andhra Pradesh.

Tourism Minister Mr. Kandula Durgesh, GFST Director Mr. Cherukuri Kutumba Rao, and Vice Chairman Mr. S.P. Tucker (IAS Retd.) addressed the gathering, emphasizing the state’s vision. Investors and industry leaders expressed keen interest in partnering with Andhra Pradesh's tourism revolution.