GUNTUR: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has reported a dramatic decline in the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of tourism in Andhra Pradesh, dropping from 20.6% during the TDP administration to just 3.3% under the YSRC government. Naidu attributed this steep decline to factors including terrorism, government neglect, and inefficiencies of the YSRC administration. He claimed that the damage to the tourism sector caused by the YSRC government has been more severe than the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Tuesday, Naidu, accompanied by Minister Kandula Durgesh, assessed the state of tourism development at the Secretariat. He compared the achievements of the two governments, noting that the TDP administration had invested Rs 880 crore in tourism, secured agreements with 190 companies totaling Rs 1,939 crore in investments, and created over 10,500 jobs. In contrast, the YSRC government has invested only Rs 213 crore and has seen only three out of 117 agreements materialize into projects.
Naidu also highlighted that the TDP government organized 105 tourism-promoting events, whereas only 44 events have been held in the past five years under the YSRC.
The Chief Minister underscored the potential for growth in eco, temple, and beach tourism in the state and instructed officials to re-engage with companies that had previously committed to investing, to revive stalled projects. He emphasized the need to develop tourism centers that reflect the state's rich culture, traditions, and cuisine. Naidu directed the expedited completion of tourism projects in Srisailam, Rajahmundry, Godavari, and Suryalanka beaches, using the Rs 300 crore allocated by the Centre. He also called for the creation of a new tourism policy based on successful models from the top five states in India. Naidu identified Gandikota, Vishaka Agency, and the Godavari riverbank as key areas for new tourism projects and encouraged the promotion of local handicrafts, tribal products, and handloom through these centers.