Amaravati, Mar 25 (TNT): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday unveiled an ambitious roadmap to boost tourism infrastructure, setting a target of 50,000 hotel rooms and over 10,000 homestays across the state by 2029.
Chairing a review meeting on the tourism department, Naidu directed officials to fast-track projects in line with rising tourist footfall.
He emphasised that there should be no restrictions on promoting homestays and called for the introduction of a rating system to ensure quality standards.
Naidu stressed the need for large-scale development of beach tourism from Baruva to Nellore, along with expansion of hospitality facilities.
He also asked officials to ensure timely execution of tourism projects approved by the State Investment Promotion Board and to attract national and international hotel brands.
Highlighting upcoming events, he directed authorities to prepare for the Godavari Pushkarams by developing extensive accommodation facilities, particularly in Rajamahendravaram and nearby regions.
The Chief Minister proposed setting up caravan parks in 10–15 locations such as Araku, Chintapalli, Munchingiputtu, Gandhi Vanam and Maredumilli, with necessary infrastructure for family tourism.
He also called for action plans to establish amusement parks in Visakhapatnam and Tirupati.
Focusing on eco and temple tourism, Naidu stressed coordination between departments to promote integrated tourism circuits.
He asked officials to complete projects under PRASAD and Swadesh Darshan schemes by May 2026, noting that proposals worth ₹663 crore have already been sent to the Centre.
Key destinations including Gandikota, Suryalanka, Araku and Borra Caves will be developed as major tourism hubs. He set deadlines for completing Godavari Pushkar Ghat works by August and opening the Havelock Bridge for tourists by December this year.
To streamline implementation, the Chief Minister proposed a dedicated committee under the Chief Secretary to coordinate between tourism, forest, endowments, police and marine departments.
He also called for promoting houseboats, heli-tourism and seaplane services under the UDAN scheme, with water aerodromes planned at Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Srisailam, Gandikota and Kambham Cheruvu.
Cruise tourism from Visakhapatnam and Krishnapatnam ports was also suggested.
Naidu further directed the development of at least 1,000 tent cities across the state by the time of the Godavari Pushkarams.
Emphasising the creative economy, he said Amaravati should be developed as a “Creative City,” noting interest from Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt in related initiatives.
Under the Centre’s Iconic Destination Scheme, Visakhapatnam and Tirupati will be developed with potential investments of up to ₹500 crore each.
Officials informed that the state recorded 309.2 million tourist visits last year, with a 21% growth in the current year so far.
The Chief Minister called for further integrating temple tourism circuits and prioritising development of key destinations, including Suryalanka Beach, along with beautification of urban water bodies.
TNT KM
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