The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) and Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) recently, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to tap in to the tourism sectors of both the states and facilitate easy access to transport services and hotel reservations for tourists.
Andhra Pradesh, known globally because of Tirupathi, has now ventured into
popularising its other tourist destinations. As part of this venture, APTDC has also identified 10 unexplored destinations in Andhra Pradesh. Addressing a gathering in the City recently, special chief secretary (Tourism) of Andhra Pradesh and APTDC MD, Chandana Khan said, “Karnataka offers a lot of opportunities and we want to tap this to maximise tourism in our state.
The proximity to Andhra Pradesh and various options of modes of travel make it an easy holiday spot for people from Karnataka. We want to showcase to tourists that everything is possible in Andhra Pradesh. Today, the state’s unexplored locations have more to offer.
We want to promote Andhra Pradesh, as the most desirable round-the-year tourist destination in the country.” The Andhra Pradesh government, which is vigorously promoting the tourism sector, is also offering discounts to attract more tourists.
“There will be up to 50 per cent off on tourist bookings. This will be a win-win situation as it will help in increasing tourist traffic in both states,” Chandana said. Developing coastal areas and beach properties is also an integral plan of promoting its tourism. Apart from that, some of the scenic locations are Dindi, Horsley Hills, Bhavani Island, Suryalanka, Vikarabad, Nagarjuna Sagar and Bhadrachalam.
The Karnataka government too is taking up many initiatives to build its tourism bond with Andhra Pradesh. Dr C D Dyavaiah, managing director of KSTDC, said it was a positive step by both the states. “The MoU is a new chapter for the two states. With this we hope the bond between Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka gets stronger. We share a lot of common elements in terms of language, culture and religious beliefs. This new move comes at the right time for us and Andhra Pradesh,” Dyavaiah said.
In a new development, Dyavaiah said the two states were discussing the possibilities of introducing the ‘jewel of Karnataka tourism’ Golden Chariot in Andhra Pradesh. The State government has set up an information and booking centre in Hyderabad to help tourists coming from that state.
APTDC, which is geared up to re-introduce Andhra Pradesh tourism, will hold promotional tours in other metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata.