Andhra Pradesh Sets Ambitious Tourism Vision with Global Aspirations
In a significant announcement from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh's Tourism and Culture Minister Kandula Durgesh has unveiled the coalition government's comprehensive strategy to catapult the state onto the world tourism map. The minister emphasized that the administration is moving forward with a transformative goal: creating "one tourism job per family" across Andhra Pradesh over the coming decade. This ambitious employment initiative aims to leverage the state's rich cultural and natural assets to generate widespread economic opportunities.
Integrating Tribal Communities and Coffee Plantations
Minister Durgesh explained that special centers are being established to seamlessly integrate Araku's renowned coffee plantations with tourism activities, directly benefiting tribal farmers in the region. The government is designing targeted programmes to provide sustainable employment to tribal populations while simultaneously creating new avenues for youth through systematic tourism development. One of the most notable achievements highlighted by the minister is how tribal youth in Visakha Manyam have successfully converted their traditional homes into income-generating homestays, with local tribal cuisines gaining remarkable international recognition.
Araku Festival and Regional Development Initiatives
The minister, along with Tribal Welfare Minister Gummidi Sandhya Rani, officially inaugurated "Araku Utsav-2026" in the picturesque Araku Valley on Thursday. During the ceremony, Minister Durgesh laid foundation stones for several development projects, including a Tent City at Lambasingi and homestay expansion at Maredumilli in Polavaram district. He described Araku as "Andhra's Ooty" and affirmed the government's commitment to developing it to rival the famous hill station of Tamil Nadu. The natural beauty, charming valleys, cool breezes, and rich flora of Araku, he noted, consistently bring joy to visitors, with even a single-day visit capable of filling tourists with happiness.
Expanding Festival Vision and Infrastructure Development
Minister Durgesh revealed that Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan will participate in the festival on Friday, adding political significance to the cultural event. The minister articulated a broader vision to develop these celebrations into Asia's largest festival trilogy encompassing Sea (Visakhapatnam), Sun (Anakapalli), and Sky (Araku) festivals. This ambitious plan aligns with the government's overarching goal to transform Andhra Pradesh's entire eastern coast into an internationally recognized tourist destination.
Eco-Tourism and Major Attraction Upgrades
The government is pursuing an eco-friendly tourism development model for Araku, inspired by the "Jal-Jungle-Jameen" (Water-Forest-Land) conservation concept. Development works are simultaneously underway across multiple key locations including Akhanda Godavari, Gandikota, Suryalanka Beach, Nagarjuna Sagar, Ahobilam, Araku, and Annavaram. In a major infrastructure announcement, Minister Durgesh confirmed that Borra Caves are being upgraded to international standards with an investment of Rs 29.88 crore under the central government's Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme.
The comprehensive cave upgrade includes:
- Modern lighting and projection mapping systems
- Enhanced safety railings and improved flooring
- Expanded parking facilities and visitor amenities
- New restaurants and souvenir shops
- Electric vehicle buggies for tourist transportation
Tribal Homestays and Innovative Accommodation Projects
To promote sustainable eco-tourism and elevate tribal community living standards, the government is taking concrete steps to establish 33 tribal homestays across five villages under the Maredumilli cluster. In another first for the state, a Tent City featuring 15 geodesic tents is being developed in Lambasingi at a cost of Rs 6.50 crore. Additionally, caravan parks are being created with an investment of ₹5 crore through the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan scheme, diversifying accommodation options for tourists.
Minister Durgesh expressed particular satisfaction that Andhra Pradesh's hospitality has evolved into what he called a "new address" for global tourists, signaling the state's growing international appeal. In a noteworthy moment during the inauguration, the minister surprised attendees by congratulating ASR District Collector Dinesh Kumar in Tamil for his excellent organization of the Araku Festival, highlighting the collaborative spirit behind these tourism initiatives.
