Tourism to be turned into a source of revenue: M Srinivasa Rao

Rajamahendravaram: Tourism minister Muttamsetti Srinivasa Rao said that the state government was seriously intent on developing tourism sector on all fronts to make it a major source of income.

Participating in the first regional-level tourism stakeholders and investors meeting held at a resorts here on Tuesday, Srinivasa Rao said the meeting was aimed at eliciting the opinions of investors and also invite investments into tourism sector.

He noted that 60 per cent of countries, mainly in Asia, in the world were surviving on tourism sector. "There are abundant opportunities in India as well as in Andhra Pradesh to develop tourism sector, but they have been neglected for a long time. Now Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy has decided to develop the sector making even the private sector a partner. Basic facilities, safety and security and good accommodation facilities among others are important to develop the sector," said he minister.

He said cultural capital of the state Rajamahendravaram would be developed as a tourist hub and both Godavari districts would be made a major attraction for foreign and domestic tourists.

He stated that locals will be given importance regarding tourism projects and plans were afoot to start agri-tourism from this year. "District-wise tourism guides will also be published with maps and other information for the benefit of tourists," Srinivas said.

Agriculture minister K Kannababu said tourism sector would be a major source of employment if it could be made use of to its full potential. He suggested to the tourism minister to develop temple tourism which has high potential in the district.

Minister for women and child welfare Taneti Vanitha, MLCs Somu Veerraju, Chikkala Ramachandra Rao, I Venkat Rao, MLAs Gorantla Butchaiah Chowdary, J Raja, APTDC managing director Praveen Kumar and others were present.