Hyderabad|India|March'2010: The Chief Minister Dr. K Rosaiah has asked the State Tourism Department and A.P. Tourism Development Corporation to prepare a master plan for employment-intensive projects to achieve the twin objectives of promoting tourism and creating huge job opportunities. "Tourism is an industry where there is vast scope for employment of skilled professionals, unskilled workers and illiterate people. Hence we should develop tourism as a priority sector in the State. I am told that just Rs.10 lakh investment creates 78 jobs in tourism while it is only 18 jobs in other industries. Taking advantage of this, we should promote job-oriented tourism projects wherever it is feasible", said the Chief Minister K Rosaiah.

Andhra Pradesh Government plans to conduct tourism road shows throughout the country and in other major cities of the world to attract tourists and the Chief Minister gave his green signal to a proposal putforth in this regard. The Chief Minister agreed to another proposal to observe next year as "Visit Andhra Pradesh" year offering many attractive tourism packages, cultural extravaganza with special focus on foreign and domestic tourists. Dr. Rosaiah said the Government was firm on giving tourism sector its due importance for ensuring that the State earned a permanent place in the tourist circuits within the country and abroad.

The Chief Minister said that adventure tourism, heli tourism, pilgrim tourism and beach tourism would be given utmost priority to attract more international tourists to the State. He said though Andhra Pradesh stands first in attracting domestic tourists, we are lagging in getting international tourists.

In view of this, the Chief Minister asked Tourism Minister J.Geeta Reddy to make all out efforts to develop our 1000-km long coast line (this is the longest coastline for any State in the country) as well as our famous pilgrim centres at Tirupati, Sreesailam, Bhadrachalam, Annavaram, Simhachalam etc so as to attract more foreign tourists to visit these heritage/pilgrimage places.

The Chief Minister after returning from Krishna District tour, was talking to the Tourism Minister and Secretary, Tourism Jayesh Ranjan and other officials at his residence regarding the new proposals and packages. The Chief Minister was informed that presently, A.P. Tourism Development Corporation and Department of Tourism are implementing 35 projects with funds from Government of India and State Government worth Rs.269 crore. Major projects among these are Buddhist theme park at Nagarjuna Sagar, Budget Hotel at Nizamabad, Star Hotel at Shilparamam, 4-Star Hotel at National Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (NITHM), Hyderabad; Development of Charminar Area; Night Bazaar in Shilparamam; Institutes of Hotel Management at Tirupati, Vijayanagaram & Srikakulam Circuit; Kolleru lake Development; Resort & Golf Course at Idupulpaya-Kadapa Pilgrim Circuit, Tirupati Pilgrim Circuit, etc.

The Chief Minister was explained that private investors and operators expect from the Government handing over of the land, investment subsidy (single financial support @ Rs. 20 lakhs for investment up to Rs. 5 crores; Rs. 30 lakhs for investment above Rs.5 crs and Mega projects above Rs.50.00 crs., Heritage Hotels & Priority areas like coastal, water bodies, rural, eco, adventure tourism projects get additional 5%.) and of course Single Window Clearance for the projects. In view of the recession, there is a request for continuing other incentives like stamp duty exemption, power rebate etc. by the investors and operators.

The Chief Minister mooted proposals for converting R&B Guest Houses in the district head qutrs., into a Chain of Budget Hotels and promotion of Hyderabad as Convention and Medical Tourism Capital of the country. These measures, according to the Chief Minister, will be in line with the State Government's target to mobilise investments to the tune of Rs.1,500 crore in future.

The Chief Minister felt that the awareness about the richness and diversity of Andhra Pradesh has not been to the desired level and hence, there should be a sustained campaign for at least 2 years besides celebrations like "Visit AP/Hyderabad Year” and Yearly Media Plan to be put in place. He said there should be multiple approach like Media (press & electronic); domestic & international Trade fairs, Direct marketing through Agents. There is a need to involve best professional agencies.

The Tourism Minister Mrs.J.Geetha Reddy brought to the notice of the Chief Minister about the proposals to develop Brindavan-type Gardens at Nizamsagar and to establish new Shilparamams, an Adventure Tourism Academy at Ananthagiri, RR Dist; and develop Highway amenities and Rural Tourism etc. The Minister also appraised the Chief Minister about World Heritage Status which will be sought for Qutub Shahi precincts at Hyderabad & Kakatiya group of monuments in Warangal District. The Chief Minister wanted the tourism department to develop the tribal museum for which he laid the foundation stone at Medaram, Warangal District.