Speaking at a meeting in the state secretariat, Durgesh was joined by Tourism Department Special Chief Secretary S.S. Rawat and Managing Director Pattan Shetty Ravi Subhash, where he reviewed recent tourism development and outlined future initiatives for Andhra Pradesh.
Durgesh said the upcoming Godavari Pushkaralu will be leveraged to boost visitor facilities, including the creation of tent cities, promotion of homestays and upgrades to pilgrim amenities, aiming to accommodate the expected influx of tourists and devotees.
He directed officials to design new tourism packages and launch promotional campaigns intended to increase tourist arrivals, and instructed the tourism team to organise roadshows in major Indian cities as well as overseas locations to showcase the state’s attractions.
The minister stressed the importance of organising festivals and events throughout the year across different districts to foster year‑round tourism, noting that such activities could generate additional employment opportunities for local youth.
Durgesh also reviewed central government funds already sanctioned under various schemes, confirmed that detailed project reports for further tourism projects will be submitted soon, and pledged to seek additional funding to support the state’s ambition to become a leading tourism destination in India.