AP CS conducts review meeting on tourism

Hyderabad, April 16 (INN): 'The Government of Andhra Pradesh has accorded top priority to the Tourism Department. As a spiritual tourism lion's share has been given to Tirupati and to promote Temple tourism. To give a boost to travel and hospitality sectors, efforts should be made by the Tourism Department,' Chief Secretary IYR Krishna Rao said.

The Chief Secretary has reviewed on Tourism, Culture, Sports, Archaeology, Museums and Information Technology Departments on the action plan to achieve Double Digit Growth in the Service Sectors of the State.

Krishna Rao issued instructions to the concerned officers to attract the tourists to Andhra Pradesh across the country and the world, better care could be taken on the tourists of Temple and other cultural tourisms in the State, particularly measures should be taken to provide Darshan and hospitality in the temple city Tirupati.

Till the time desired investments happen and major projects start operating, for the immediate future, to attract more tourists in the state, Vigorously promote and publicise AP tourism, Participation in all major fairs, festivals, road shows at national and international level, Organize mega festivals in various districts for National and International tourists. Ensure better occupancy of APTDC resorts and hotels with toned up management and implementation of new Tourism Policy with best incentives are the targets of the Department for the year 2015-16.

To strengthen the Tourism, Department has to facilitate and implement Public Private Partnership Tourism projects in the state and the sector to be strengthened by a strong team of experts Finance, Project Structuring and PPP, Project Management, Legal, Procurement, Media and Public Relations.

Strengthening of District Sports Authority Cadre Strength which includes engaging professional Coaches, Design concept of Stadiums should be changed with commercial viability for maintenance. Mobilization of resources ' % of annual State budget for Sports, 5% additional surcharge on Excise Duty, 3% additional cess on all property taxes, 3% on sand cess and revival of existing Stadia under PPP mode. We have 16 best players who have won medals at National and International Tournaments, these players need International exposure which will help Andhra Pradesh to get gold medal in Olympics and other International events.

The AP Government has already assured for establishment of Sports School at Vetajangalapalem, Anakapalli Constituency, and establishment of High attitude Centres at Lambasingi, Arakuvalley, in Visakhapatnam District. Establishment of High attitude Centres at Horsely Hills, Madanapally, Chittoor District.

The Chief Secretary opined that the Universities and other Government Institutions may be involved to maintain and up gradation of Museums, heritage conservation of protect monuments in the State, providing Financial Assistance by the Government.

To get double digit growth rate of 35%, the vision of the Information Technology is to develop Andhra Pradesh as an innovation society of global repute, with a focus on enhancing the quality of life of its citizens, through high quality Education and Health-care, increased productivity in Agriculture and allied activities, creation of employment by promoting Industries and Services Sectors including Electronics and Information Technology and above all, by providing Good Government in the State.

Spl. Chief Secretary Planning S.P. Tucker, Prl. Finance Secretary Ajeya Kallam and other senior officers attended the review meeting.