Andhra Pradesh Tourism:

Andhra Pradesh, The heart of the south India. Here, the Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu faiths formed a brilliant mosaic of cultures. With its eyes on the Pacific Rim of countries, the growing port could become the most powerful in Asia by the 21st century.

Andhra Pradesh is the leading Indian state that attracts a large number of both domestic and international tourists and ranks first among all the states in terms of tourist arrivals.

Source: “Indian Tourism Industry Analysis”, a new research report from RNCOS.

According to RNCOS report, the reason for attracting the highest number of tourists by Andhra Pradesh is its scenic beauty and unique amalgamation of diverse cultures. People come here to see architectural sites, heritage monuments, prosperous temples, rich flora and fauna, exotic hill stations, cascading waterfalls, sparkling lakes, lofty hills and Buddhist pagodas. Moreover, the world’s richest temple at Tirupati is one of the main attractions of Andhra Pradesh, drawing tourists from all around the globe.

Tourists with interest in primitive architectures come to Andhra Pradesh as it has remains of many famous dynasties as old as 300 BC and Buddhist centers. Furthermore, the state is distinct for its local food, cuisines, delicacies, exquisite handicrafts, vibrant festivities and hospitable nature of people that make visit to the state an unforgettable experience.

With over 500 tourist sites across the state, Andhra Pradesh is a booming tourist destination in India. The government has launched 68 projects in the last four years with the total investment of US$ 368.293 Million to promote its tourism industry. And 88 projects with total cost of US$ 197.561 Million have been kicked off by the private sector due to the state’s proactive role.

Key Facts:

•  & Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Rajasthan are the leading tourism destinations in India in terms of total tourist arrivals. 
•   India has been promoting its healthcare tourism by providing the visitors with private healthcare facilities. It is expected that the total market for medical tourism will reach US$ 2 Billion by 2012, representing a CAGR of 60.69%.
•   Indian outbound tourist flow is expected to increase at a CAGR of 13.30% over the five-year period spanning from 2008 to 2012.
•   India’s share in the global tourism is expected to reach 1.5% by 2010.

Acknowledging the vast potential and spin-off tourism has on other industries, the Government of Andhra Pradesh is focusing on tourism for generating greater employment and achieving higher economic growth. The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh had already approved the ambitious plan of the Tourism Department to develop an exclusive tourist corridor along the coastline of the State. Andhra Pradesh has the vision to become the destination state of India, given its attractive diversity, natural endowments and friendly population. Andhra Pradesh has a rich tourist potential, which is yet to be explored.

Andhra Pradesh has great potential for tourism with its temple towns, beach resorts, monuments and other tourist attractions. With the commissioning of New International Airport in Hyderabad direct flights to International destinations has further improved. Hyderabad is being developed as a major transit hub between Europe and the Far East.

"Andhra Pradesh Unlimited", the strategy developed by the Govt. of Andhra Pradesh recognizes the advantage of offering the collective attractiveness of other places in this region. It has plans to decentralize tourism development to districts and local bodies. This policy will also encourage private sector in the tourism industry and provide a frame work for private-public partnership.

To encourage private investment in tourism and related industry, various incentives and concessions are being offered by the Government of Andhra Pradesh. In keeping this objective and spirit, taxation has been attempted to be rationalized on the logic of intelligent taxation to enable private sector to expand tourism.

Rural Tourism in Andhra Pradesh :

Rural  Tourism  in Andhrapradesh  is growing at  a rapid pace , and the department  of tourism  has created  a win-win situation  for the villagers  and tourism  in the state  by involving Local NGOs in rural tourism  initiatives.

A dedicated drive to promote  rural tourism in Andhrapradesh is providing several opportunities to  inbound tourists to do  activities which they  may not  get  to  do  in their own backyard , Exposure  to basket Weaving  , pottery  making ,  village handicrafts and handlooms   weaving ,  bird watching , fishing  campfires ,  bullock-carts rides , trekking and boating are some of the activities which are available for tourists currently  there are eight  rural tourism projects in the state  two of which are supported  by the united  nations development  program ( UNDP)  The remaining Six  are managed  directly  by the state Government ,

UNDP Is supporting Pochampalli and Sri Kalahasti, the state government on its own is developing areas such as Konaseema, Gadwall, Nirmal, Dharmawaram, Etikoppaka and Narsapur. Developmental activities in all these areas have already begun and the projects will be officially lunched by 2010.

The world tourism organization and other internationally reputed tourism consultants have studied the precepts and identified potential tourism projects to be taken up by the private sector. Investments in tourism projects for the next 10years are expected to be around $60 billions (Rs. 252,000 Crores)

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