The Hindu Business Line : New AP tourism policy on the anvil

The Andhra Pradesh Government is set to announce a new tourism policy later this month that will seek more public, private participation in tourism projects in the State, and promote better infrastructure creation.

The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, said that the policy framework is ready and would be announced after the State Cabinet gives its assent later this month.

Speaking at the Indian Travel Congress, Dr Reddy said that tourism has emerged as a growth engine for the State and currently accounts for about 6.5 per cent of the State Gross Domestic Product and this has potential to grow much more with better rail, road and air connectivity to tourist destinations.

Inviting private sector participation and assuring them of all help in the tourism sector, Dr Reddy said that the new international airport coming up at Shamshabad near Hyderabad will be operational in March 2007, and potentially serve as a hub linking the Europe and Far East.

Reports suggest that better linkages would help promote Hyderabad as an ideal destination for business conferences and major conventions, which would have a spin-off effect on the tourism sector. Events such as Kalachakra for Buddhists, the Asian Development Bank annual meeting, Congress Plenary and Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas held this year have shown how Hyderabad is gaining importance in hosting major events, he said.

He called upon Capt. G.R. Gopinath of Air Deccan to submit a report on development of smaller airports such as Cuddapah, Warangal and even night landing facility at Tirupathi, and assured the delegates that the State would ensure that better facilities come up in these places.

The new tourism policy will seek to replicate the success of Hyderabad in other cities such as Vizag, Tirupathi, Warangal and others , Dr Reddy said.

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