Visakhapatnam: Legislative Assembly Speaker Ayyannapatra emphasized the need to elevate Northern Andhra’s tourism sector, citing the region’s natural beauty and cleanliness. Speaking at the Tourism Regional Investors Conference in Visakhapatnam on Monday, he called for immediate action to improve infrastructure in tourist areas. “We must analyze why we are failing to achieve our potential in tourism and address these challenges swiftly,” he stated.
Highlighting the importance of timely approvals for investors, Ayyannapatra urged officials to streamline processes and create a more investor-friendly environment. He also stressed the need for compliance with tribal investment regulations and encouraged learning from other states to boost local tourism opportunities.
State Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh announced significant steps to promote tourism, including granting industrial status to the sector. He assured that concessions in GST, electricity, and registration fees would be implemented within a month. Additionally, the state plans to add 50,000 hotel rooms over the next five years, with investors already committing to establish 825 rooms in various districts.
APTDC Chairman Nukasani Balaji, Tourism Principal Secretary Ajay Jain, and Collectors from Visakha, Anakapalli, and Alluri Sitaramaraju districts shared insights during the conference.
