The south Indian state Andhra Pradesh is now on its way to create a global tourism destination – The Amaravati Tourism City – designed close to the historic Undavalli caves along the river Krishna water front. Being a dream project of the Chief Minister of the state Chandra Babu Naidu, this is being built with the purpose of boosting leisure, business, eco, health as well as religious tourism. Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) is the nodal agency for developing ‘Amaravati’ as the state’s new capital city.
With an objective of making Amaravati the world’s most iconic riverine tourism destination, the state government is planning here rejuvenation, heritage, spirituality and nature in the midst of a stately and modern setting. Mr Praveen Prakash, IAS, Resident Commissioner, Andhra Pradesh Government said in this regard, “Amaravati is a synergy between culture, heritage and international facilities. Under the patronisation of CM Chandrababu Naidu, the Tourism City is composed to become a world-class destination and will represent India’s vibrant tourism industry.”
The state government’s positive step towards this developmental work is not for the tourists only but it facilitates the local workers by providing them with employment. Mr. S. Shaanmohan, Additional Commissioner, IAS, APCRDA said, “The Tourism City in Amaravati spreads over 11,573 acres with an estimated population of 2.7 lakh and it is expected to generate employment for more than 2.2 lakh people.”
Proposals and investments have been called from genuine investors, featuring extensive river front-development for hotels, resorts, MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) centres, theme parks, religious and cultural centres. Ms. Bhavna Saxena, IPS, Special Commissioner, Economic Development Board, Andhra Pradesh, promised to extend full support to those interested in investing in the state.
This upcoming unique project will open doors to the unexplored tourist destinations in Amaravati and rest of Andhra Pradesh. This also is intended to promote MICE tourism in the state and plans to develop Mega Convention Centres in Visakhapatnam, Tirupati and Vijayawada. But as specified by Mr Suman Billa, IAS, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, the utmost priority will be given to the safety of visitors while making Amaravati a world class capital and a tourism hub.
“To pull in more visitors, the state is progressing towards creating six tourist hubs -Amaravati, Tirupati, Ananthapur-Puttaparthi, Visakhapatnam, Srisailam, Rajahmundry-Konaseema-Kakinada and Vijayawada,” said Mr Shukla and invited investors to partner with the state.
Recently a workshop on this was held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi by Centre for Strategy and Leadership (CSL) in collaboration with Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA), Government of Andhra Pradesh.
