CM Naidu flags off Caravan Tourism in AP, signs MoUs worth Rs 10,329 crore at conclave

Vijayawada: Speaking at the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Conclave Tech AI 2.0 held on Friday in Amaravati, chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu spoke about the State government’s plans to make Andhra Pradesh 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 emphasised its central role in driving economic transformation, employment generation and cultural promotion.

He was joined by a special guest, 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, particularly in tourism, and expressed confidence in its ability to deliver impactful results.

Andhra Pradesh to become a global wellness and happiness hub

CM Naidu emphasised the need to promote yoga and natural wellness.

He said Andhra Pradesh will be the wellness and happiness destination of the future and invited Baba Ramdev as a spiritual guide, inviting him to promote wellness tourism in the State and take on an advisory role.

Highlighting the sector’s transformative power, CM 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.

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

Empowering communities through homestays

CM 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. Emphasising 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 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 in 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.

‘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 per cent 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.

“Whatever other States are doing, I shall add +2 to it,” said CM Naidu. He spoke of the P4 model (Public-Private-People Partnership for Prosperity), aimed at inclusive development and poverty eradication.

Technology meets tourism

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. Ajay Jain (IAS), Special Chief Secretary, YAT&C Department, presented the state’s vision. 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 centre for personalised itineraries and tourist safety.

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 Rs 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 Rs 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 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 centres across the State and suggested promoting scenic locations as premium wedding venues, celebrating Indian traditions.

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.