Amaravati, March 25 Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday directed Tourism Department officials to ensure that the target of building 50,000 hotel rooms by 2029 is achieved.
During a review meeting with the Tourism Department, the chief minister called for expediting the projects approved by the State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB).
"Expedite the projects approved by SIPB. The goal of building 50,000 hotel rooms by 2029 should be met," an official press release, quoting Naidu, said.
Similarly, he called for making 10,000 homestay facilities available to tourists, including creating an action plan to set up amusement parks in Visakhapatnam and Tirupati.
Coordinating with the Forest and Endowments Departments, Naidu instructed officials to promote eco and temple tourism projects.
Under the central government's Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) and Swadesh Darshan schemes, he called for completing tourism development projects by May.
Meanwhile, officials informed the CM that proposals worth Rs 663 crore have been sent to the Centre under these two schemes.
The CM also asked the officials to develop Gandikota, Suryalanka, Araku and Borra caves as prominent tourist centres.
Naidu directed officials to complete the works required to allow tourists to access Pushkar Ghats (for Kumbh Mela-like Godavari Pushkaralu) and the Havelock Bridge in Rajahmundry by December, the release said.
Further, the chief minister also proposed the formation of a committee led by the Chief Secretary to drive tourism promotion in a coordinated manner across departments.
He called for introducing a rating system for homestays to enhance quality and improve the overall tourist experience in the state.
Naidu also emphasised large-scale development of beaches from Baruva to Nellore as part of expanding coastal tourism infrastructure.
He further directed officials to strengthen eco-tourism circuits in Maredumilli and Chintapalli to complement existing destinations and attract more visitors.
The CM proposed establishing caravan parks at nearly 15 locations and developing tent cities, targeting around 1,000 units ahead of the Godavari Pushkarams.
He stressed fast-tracking infrastructure development at key tourist destinations to ensure timely completion of ongoing and proposed projects.
Naidu also called for introducing seaplane services under the Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) scheme and developing water aerodromes in Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Srisailam, Gandikota and Kambham Cheruvu.
Further, he proposed promoting cruise tourism from Visakhapatnam and Krishnapatnam Port to diversify tourism offerings.
Highlighting the creative economy, the CM said Amaravati should be developed into a "Creative City", encouraging content creation and cultural industries, noting that actor Sanjay Dutt has shown interest in investing.
Meanwhile, officials informed that the state recorded 309.2 million tourist visits last year, with a 21 per cent growth in the first nine months of the current year.