‘Aim is to develop AP into a global wedding destination’

Metro India News | Jaipur (Rajasthan) / Amaravati

Andhra Pradesh Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh has intensified efforts to promote the state as an internationally renowned wedding destination. As part of his visit to Rajasthan, widely regarded as India's hub for royal weddings, the Minister attended the International Wedding and Tourism Conclave (IWTC) held at Virasat Heritage Restaurant, Kukas, Jaipur.

During the conclave, Minister Durgesh held extensive discussions with leading wedding destination planners and event organisers on the immense potential for expanding wedding tourism in Andhra Pradesh. He highlighted the state's natural attractions, tourism assets and government incentives available for investors. He also informed participants about the priority being accorded to the tourism sector by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, with support from the Central Government.

Earlier, Minister Durgesh, along with Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Diya Kumari, inaugurated the Andhra Pradesh Tourism stall and personally briefed visitors about the state's unique tourism offerings.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said Andhra Pradesh, with its spectacular natural beauty, historic forts and extensive coastline, is ideally suited to become a premier wedding destination. He noted that the Visakhapatnam coastline, complemented by hill resorts, offers a perfect setting for world-class beach weddings. He also said that star hotels are being developed at Suryalanka Beach.

He highlighted Araku Valley as another attractive destination, known for its lush greenery, tribal culture, eco-tourism and internationally acclaimed Araku Coffee. Surrounded by green hills, cool weather and misty landscapes, Araku is an ideal location for serene and memorable wedding celebrations, he said.

The Minister also showcased the scenic beauty of Konaseema, with its coconut groves, and the dense forests of Maredumilli. For those seeking grand traditional weddings, he said Tirupati is emerging as a preferred destination, with world-class hotels becoming operational. He further noted that Baba Ramdev is establishing wellness centres in Andhra Pradesh.

The Minister's presentation generated keen interest among several wedding planners, who expressed willingness to invest in wedding destination projects in Andhra Pradesh.

Assuring investors of the government's support, Minister Durgesh said the coalition government would provide single-window clearances, necessary infrastructure and all required assistance for tourism and event-related projects. He pointed out that tourism has been accorded industry status in the state and that the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Policy 2024–29 offers attractive incentives to investors.

He added that the government has also introduced supporting policies for homestays, caravans, land allotment, and bed-and-breakfast establishments, while giving significant emphasis to film tourism.

The Minister said wedding tourism would play a major role in boosting tourism growth and employment generation in the state. He formally invited the organisers and stakeholders to visit Andhra Pradesh soon for field inspections and to explore investment opportunities. He assured them that the government would extend full support to investors willing to develop projects in the state, which is endowed with diverse natural attractions.