AP seeks state's help to promote tourism

The AP tourism department is keen on taking Golden Chariot to select places in that state

Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka have signed an MoU for cross promotion of tourism in both states. The tourism departments of both the southern states signed the memorandum during the visit of Chandana Khan, special chief secretary (tourism) of government of Andhra Pradesh, to Bangalore at the weekend. She was in Bangalore to discuss measures to enhance tourism in both states.

The MoU will facilitate easier booking of train tickets and hotel bookings to various destinations in Andhra Pradesh.

In addition, there will also be a 50 per cent discount on these bookings. According to the officials, this will be a win-win situation as it will help increase tourist traffic in both states.

During her discussion with C D Dyavaiah, managing director of Karnataka Tourism Development Corporation, she also discussed the possibility of extending Karnataka's luxury train Golden Chariot into select places in Andhra Pradesh.

"Karnataka is a market with tremendous opportunity and we want to tap into this to maximise tourism in our state. The proximity to Andhra Pradesh and the multiple options of modes of travel make it an easy holiday option for people from the state. We are looking to expand and build this market," Khan said in a statement.

Significantly, the Andhra Pradesh government is focusing on the development of new and unexplored destinations, and generating tourists in addition to the already popular destinations such as the temple town of Tirupati and the megapolis of Hyderabad.

"We are extremely happy to associate with Andhra Pradesh government for this MoU and we are optimistic that this will be a step forward in terms of increasing tourism initiatives in both states," Dyavaiah said.

AP Tourism, with the intention to promote tourism, has drawn up a campaign to attract more visitors and induce them to explore new tourist locations across the state.

Besides upgrading infrastructure, the corporation is promoting awareness about its attractive tourist locations by marketing and promotional activities within the state and at the national level. Developing coastal areas and beach properties is integral to this plan.

Very soon, APTDC will operate as many as nine new beach properties at Baruva and Kalingapatnam (Srikakulam district), Chintapally (Vizianagaram), Kakinada (East Godavari), Perupalem (West Godavari), Ramayapatnam (Prakasam), and Tummalapenta, Maypadu and Kotta Kudur (all in Nellore).

Among the special destinations and scenic locations high on APTDC's list are: Dindi, Horsley Hills, Bhavani Island, Suryalanka, Vikarabad, Nagarjuna Sagar and Bhadrachalam.

Major cities in Andhra Pradesh are already connected by air, and most of these also have resorts and hotels operated by APTDC under the brand name 'Haritha'.