Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh with representatives of M/s Modern Masti Private Limited at the Secretariat on Tuesday. | Photo credit: HANDOUT
The tourism industry is emerging as a key “growth engine” for Andhra Pradesh’s economic development, Kandula Durgesh, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Cinematography, said on Tuesday (March 24, 2026).
Ahead of a meeting with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday (March 25), the minister discussed key issues with officials of the department in his chamber at the Secretariat on Tuesday.
The meeting discussed the 15-year financial plan of Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) focusing on the results of previous meetings with the Chief Minister, key directions issued, new investments, development of hotels and hospitality, projects approved by the State Investment Promotion Board, progress of homestays, projects implemented with central government funds and promotional activities for tourist destinations.
Mr. Durgesh directed the officials to complete the ‘Akhanda Godavari’ project before the Godavari Pushkaralu. He emphasized the need for innovative decisions to increase tourist arrivals, promote responsible tourism and take steps to develop a creative economy.
Earlier, the minister met Ram Prakash Maheshwari and Ankur Maheshwari, representatives of M/s Modern Masti Private Limited, with whom the AP Tourism Department signed an MoU at the Indian Association of Amusement Parks and Industries (IAAPI) Expo-2026 held in Mumbai recently.
They informed the minister that within the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMDA) limits, suitable locations have been identified for setting up a world-class theme park and resort with an investment of around ₹100 crore. They expressed satisfaction with the prompt guidance provided by officials of the tourism department.
Special Chief Secretary Tourism Ajay Jain, Executive Directors of Tourism Department Padmavathi and Seshagiri Rao, Deputy Director General of Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority (APTA), Srinivas, Chief Marketing Officer Padma Rani Seela, Head of Investment Satyaprabha and officials including Lejwanthi, Nancharaiah and Ramprasad attended the review meeting.
Published – 24 March 2026 20:16 IST
