Metro India News | Hyderabad 

Jupally Krishna Rao, Minister for Tourism, Telangana and Kandula Durgesh, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Cinematography, Andhra Pradesh have not left any stone unturned to woo investors to their respective states. If Kandula Durgesh assured investors of attractive incentives, streamlined processes through single-window clearance, and comprehensive logistical support, Jupally Krishna Rao assured potential investors that they would receive substantial incentives, concessions, and comprehensive governmental support to enhance tourism development.

The 20th South Asia Hotels Investment Conference was held at Powai Lake in Mumbai where both the states headed by the ministers are accompanied by senior government officials. Speaking at the conference, Jupally Krishna Rao Minister encouraged investment opportunities within Telangana's tourism sector, emphasizing the state’s commitment to development through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) approach. He mentioned that the state's updated tourism policy aims to promote various types of tourism, including temple, adventure, eco, heritage, medical, and wellness tourism to draw in more visitors.

"By the year 2030, Telangana is setting its sights on attracting Rs. 15,000 crore in investments, generating 3 lakh jobs, doubling its tourism growth, and achieving a place among the top five Indian states for tourist arrivals," stated Jupally. On the other hand, Kandula Durgesh and his team including Tourism Secretary Ajay Jain and APTDC Managing Director Amrapali Kata, met with representatives from 45 leading national and international hospitality companies during the two-day visit, aimed at attracting large-scale investment into Andhra Pradesh’s burgeoning tourism and hospitality sectors.

Several companies expressed enthusiasm for setting up projects in Andhra Pradesh, particularly in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. The Ascott Limited (Singapore) has shown interest in launching its Citadines brand hotels across smaller cities in the state. Aakar Hotels is exploring opportunities to establish Ibis-branded properties in district headquarters, and Brigade Group is considering investments in Visakhapatnam, Tirupati, and Horsley Hills.

The state government has already identified strategic locations for development and is working on improving accessibility and infrastructure at these sites, especially in Visakhapatnam, Tirupati, Srisailam, Pitchukalanka, Araku, and Amaravati. The minister  also revealed that land parcels have been earmarked in Visakhapatnam and Tirupati for tourism projects, while locations along the Bengaluru–Anantapur national highway have been identified for golf resort development.

A significant outcome of the Mumbai visit was the signing of an MoU between Minor Hotels and Sunray Resorts in the presence of the tourism minister. The agreement outlines plans to build a 117-room hotel in Visakhapatnam, with further proposals for eco-friendly, luxury resorts across the state.