The Minister presented the ‘Godavari Declaration’ to promote tourism ahead of Godavari Pushkarams-2027

Culture and Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh on Sunday (September 27, 2026) unveiled the Godavari Declaration titled ‘The Godavari Calls’ to boost tourism ahead of Godavari Pushkarams-2027. “The Godavari region has become a major destination for film shooting and the homestay initiative has also gained popularity. A tent city and Havelock bridge will be built before the Godavari Pushkarams,” he said.

Addressing a gathering on the occasion of World Tourism Day celebrations here, Mr. Durgesh said that the tourism sector, which was recently granted industry status, has succeeded in attracting ₹20,000 crore investment in the state. He said the construction of at least 16 big hotels across the state is underway, with an estimated investment of ₹ 6,000 crore being attracted to Andhra Pradesh in the last two years.

On the adoption of technology in the tourism sector, Mr. Durgesh said that 130 tourist destinations, including temples, have been documented using AI tools and shared online. “Blessed with 974 kilometers of coastline, rich culinary and tribal diversity, 21 handicrafts, arts and GI foods and Araku coffee, the state of Andhra Pradesh will emerge as a major destination in the country,” he said.

East Godavari District Collector Kirthi Chekuri said that the Godavari region will soon become the top choice for travelers, he said, “Maredumilli deep forest will become the most sought after destination for Milky Way sighting in the Godavari region which is blessed with many landscapes, temples and archaeological sites.

The government’s Special Principal Secretary for Youth Development, Tourism and Culture SS Ravat said technology, including artificial intelligence, being adopted in the tourism sector should not replace the authenticity of tourist destinations. The Department of Tourism is adopting AI tools for local language translations and tourism destination documentation. “Today, tourism is not only a competition between destinations, but also experiences,” he said.

APTDC Executive Director P. Ravi Subhash announced that the company will soon support cycling expeditions to promote adventure tourism on the Rajamahendravaram-Maredumilli, Visakhapatnam-Araku, Tirupati-Gandikota routes.

AP Star Hotels Association president RV Swamy said that at least 45 hotels are under construction in Amaravati, Tirupati, Kakinada and Visakhapatnam.

Published – 27 Sep 2026 22:03 IST