Andhra Pradesh Welcomes Union Budget’s Major Boost for Tourism and Culture

Andhra Pradesh’s Minister of Tourism, Kandula Durgesh, has expressed his enthusiasm for the Union Budget’s strong focus on tourism, hospitality, and culture. This alignment is particularly significant for the state, which has already secured ₹450 crore for tourism development.

The budget earmarks ₹2,438 crore for the tourism sector and a substantial ₹3,416 crore for the cultural department. Minister Durgesh stated that these allocations will facilitate international-standard tourism projects, aiming to increase visitor numbers and significantly enhance the overall tourist experience in Andhra Pradesh.

Key initiatives outlined include the digitization and preservation of the state’s rich spiritual, historical, and cultural heritage for future generations. Developing Buddhist circuits and historical monuments will be a priority to attract more tourists. Furthermore, a plan to skill and train 10,000 tour guides is set to improve service quality across the industry.

The budget also promises to boost tourism infrastructure through schemes like the Seaplane Viability Gap Funding and improved air connectivity to remote areas. The emphasis on skill development, employment generation, and youth empowerment aligns with the vision of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan to propel Andhra Pradesh’s growth.

Minister Durgesh hailed the budget as historic in its goal to position India as the world’s third-largest economic power. He extended special gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for prioritizing the tourism, hospitality, and cultural sectors in this financial plan.