Andhra eyes 23 pc growth in tourist arrivals in 2016

Andhra Pradesh is eyeing 23 per cent growth in tourist arrivals to 15 crore visitors this year on the back of forthcoming festivals as well a slew of initiatives that it has undertaken to promote tourism.
The state registered 12.2 crore tourist footfalls in 2015, a growth of 30 per cent over 2014.
"This year we have already reached 98 million when our main tourist season is yet to begin. We are confident that we will reach 150 million this year," Andhra Pradesh Tourism Commissioner R P Khajuria said in a statement.
"In coming months we are organising mega festivals such as Visakaha Utsav, Leapakshi festival, Araku festival and Flamingoo festival which will attract large number of tourists from far and wide," Khajuria said.

The state has introduced lots of water sports activities in Vizag beaches as well in Bhavani Island in Vijaywada which have become major tourist attractions already, he added.
"Our focus on fast tracking projects will eventually enhance infrastructure and engagement at tourist sites," Andhra Pradesh Tourism & Culture Secretary Srikant Nagulapalli said.