ETW STAFF – Mumbai
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| Chandana Khan |
Andhra Pradesh Tourism is looking to promote many of its lesser known attractions – the offbeat places which could be significant tourist draws in the country, for instance eco tourism destinations like Araku Valley and Dindi. Launching the pre-Dusshera campaign, Chandana Khan, special chief secretary to AP government’s youth advancement, tourism & culture department said, “It is the time to reintroduce and reinforce ourselves.” She pointed out that Maharashtra and Gujarat are the two states from where a sizable number of pilgrims visit Andhra Pradesh. This segment can explore other places after visiting the pilgrim spots. AP Tourism Development Corporation has a large number of three-star properties across the state where the tourists can stay in budget accommodation while exploring the circuits.
Andhra Pradesh Tourism is also focusing on developing tourism infrastructure in the state through public-private partnerships (PPP). Besides upgrading infrastructure, APTDC is also promoting awareness about its attractive tourist locations by marketing and promotional activities within the state and at the national level. “A sum of around `40 crore would be spent on branding and marketing,” said Khan. Dindi, Horsley Hills, Bhavani Island, Suryalanka, Vikarabad, Nagarjunasagar and Bhadrachalam have been chosen as special destinations.
Telangana twist
The pertinent question is – how will the recent development regarding the formation of Telangana impact the tourism and hospitality sector. Despite our efforts Express TravelWorld was unable to get any response from APTDC at the time of going to the press, however a few industry experts were vocal about their views.
Param Kannampilly, CMD, Concept Hospitality stated, “The present condition of Andhra Pradesh is that it is in a state of suffering because of the repeat agitation, and the solution to settle down things is the separation of the two states. Since Hyderabad is a potential tourism and hospitality market, there should be peace and harmony between the two states as it will be good for the investors.”
According to EM Najeeb, CEO of GITC, in terms of travel and hospitality, the two sectors might face an initial setback but might improve later. “And I think at the end of the day it will come out better,” he asserted.
