Tourism Minister hardsells A.P. as right destination for investments

Tourism Minister urges South Asian hoteliers to invest in Andhra Pradesh, highlighting incentives and opportunities at HICSA conference.

Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh on Wednesday urged hoteliers from across South Asia to invest in Andhra Pradesh “as now is the right time for investments in the hospitality sector in the State.”

Interacting with the representatives of hotel and travel organisations at the two-day Hotel Investment Conference-South Asia (HICSA), which started on April 9, the Minister said the State government was ready to support investors by providing them attractive incentives and subsidies. He said the Andhra Pradesh government was encouraging investors to establish luxury hotels and resorts in cities like Visakhapatnam, Tirupati, Amaravati and Rajamahendravaram.

The Minister met representatives of the hotel groups like Marriot, IHG Group, Hilton, Lemon Tree, Blackstone, Ambuja and Suba Hotels, among others.

HICSA is an annual global event for the hospitality sector, which brings together the key stakeholders in the hospitality industry. The conference offers extensive networking opportunities for new partnerships and explore investment opportunities.

The Minister and his team are at the Mumbai conference to promote the State as a prime tourism destination by highlighting its several features ranging from pristine beaches, serene backwaters, rich cultural heritage, ancient temples and lush green landscapes. The idea is to position Andhra Pradesh as a key player in South Asia’s hospitality and tourism industry by showcasing its robust tourism ecosystem and unique advantages, including skilled workforce, business-friendly environment, natural resources and recent infrastructure developments.

Tourism Secretary Ajay Jain, CEO of AP Tourism Authority Amrapali Kata, nodal officer for Investment Promotion, Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority Sathya Prabha and Manager, Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board Rameshwar Kumawath also attended the conference.