World Bank keen on funding AP's Buddhism circuit
Hyderabad, Oct 11 (INN): Making Tourism one of its key focus areas in the service sector mission, Andhra Pradesh government said World Bank is keen on funding that state's Buddhism Circuit.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has said that proposals to develop tourist circuits would be invited and the process would be made transparent.
In a meeting with Tourism officials at Secretariat on Saturday, the Chief Minister has directed officials to come up with suggestions to attract more international tourists by establishing more tourist attractions and promote religious, eco-tourism and beach tourism.
The Chief Minister has asked officials to promote Heritage sites in Andhra Pradesh. That apart, he said focus should be on promoting local arts and handicrafts like Kondapalli Bommalu, Etikoppaka, Narsapuram Laces and others.
Given the popularity of foods from Andhra Pradesh, the Chief Minister said they should be promoted in a big way through food festivals. Further, he said the state's festivals should be held like major events. He added that Kuchipudi Dance could be promoted on global and local platforms by incorporating it in every programme.
He said that the government is considering establishing a tourism university on the lines of those in Australia, New Zealand and Switzerland, with world-class facilities, offering a gamut of courses.
The Chief Minister also directed officials to explore opportunities in partnering with various international tourism agencies to promote cross-border cultural exchange and tourism.
Special Secretary (Tourism and Culture) Chandana Khan, Dr. Parakala Prabhakar, Advisor (Communications) and other officials were present at the meeting.
News Posted: 11 October, 2014
|
