Andhra Pradesh to take lead in tourism restart operations
Visakhapatnam: Andhra Pradesh should take lead in tourism restart operations in the country, according to experts.
Participating in a tourism conclave organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry with the theme “Restarting Tourism & Hospitality Sector – Andhra Pradesh as most preferred Destination’ held in digital mode here on Thursday, former Union Secretary of Tourism and President, New Tourism Foundation Vinod Zutshi observed that Andhra Pradesh has great locations based on coastal advantage, eco tourism and pilgrimage tourism and in view of COVID-19 there is a need to promote Andhra Pradesh tourism with new brand concepts to build confidence among all stakeholders.
He also felt that it was time for promoting successful case studies to encourage people to visit short distance places in view of pandemic and suggested that there is a need to effectively manage the supply side and demand in the tourism sector.
In this context, Zutshi advocated for a State level Tourism Investors Summit which would create a platform for investors about new avenues of opportunities.
Delivering the keynote address, State Tourism minister Avanti Srinivasa Rao announced that Andhra Pradesh would soon release Tourism Policy for the State, Tourism in India had grown by leaps and bounds over the years, with each region of India contributing something to its splendor and exuberance, he pointed out , adding that Andhra Pradesh had the distinction of being a leading tourism destination in India and is at present the third most visited State in terms of domestic tourism.
“In view of COVID-19 Andhra Pradesh would continue to promote the state domestically to attract more number of tourists into the State.
The State is a microcosm within itself – offering unmatched tourism potential to investors and tourists. It offers a multitude of theme based options to explore across its length and breadth,” he said, highlighting the major strengths of the state tourism themes such as Beach & Water-based, Eco-tourism, Buddhist, Religious, Heritage Spiritual or Wellness and Medical which has the great potential in the coming days.
Managing Director of Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation Pravin Kumar said that the Tourism sector was contributing significantly to GSDP of the state and the Government had put required Standard Operating Protocols (SOP) to restart tourism operations in the state. In fact, in view of COVID-19, the digital platform had emerged as a viable option to market Andhra Pradesh tourism strengths, he said.
Founder and CEO of Indian School of Hospitality Dilip Puri who spoke, said that Andhra Pradesh had the advantage of beautiful rivers, hills and forests which would provide scope for new concepts of tourism and felt that Andhra Pradesh has multiple tourism products to offer at pan India level.
Chairman – CII Andhra Pradesh and Managing Director, Efftronics Systems Pvt. Ltd D. Ramakrishna presided the Session and highlighted the challenges faced by the tourism sector due to Corona virus pandemic. Mr. Tarun Kakani, Co-Convenor – CII Andhra Pradesh, Services Panel – Tourism Sector & Chief Executive Officer, Amaravati Boating Club also participated in the deliberations of conclave.
Among the suggestions emerged at the meeting include focusing on destination based tourism which has great opportunities in the coming days, need to create pockets of excellence with required infrastructure and nature tourism and engaging the local communities for sustainable tourism operations in the state.
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