On the sidelines of the Business Leisure Travel and MICE Exhibition (BLTM 2025), TDM interviewed Padmarani Seela, the Chief Marketing Officer and Communication Officer of AP Tourism Authority. She elaborated on Andhra Pradesh’s famous tourist spots and outlined strategies for enhancing tourism growth in the state.
Tirupati Balaji: A Major Attraction
In a review of tourist numbers, Seela noted: “We rank third in visitor numbers primarily due to the influx of tourists visiting Tirupati Balaji, the world’s most frequented Hindu temple. However, our goal is to diversify and promote other tourism segments, including Buddhist and beach tourism, as well as unique handicrafts.”
She highlighted the importance of Araku Valley for tribal tourism and coffee plantation visits. Additionally, locations around Visakhapatnam are becoming popular for Buddhist tourism, especially with well-defined circuits around Amaravati and Vizag.
Infrastructure Development Needed
Seela pointed out the current decline in inbound tourist numbers due to insufficient infrastructure. “We aim to enhance last-mile connectivity to simplify access for visitors, collaborating with various departments for improved logistics across the state.”
New Tourism Policy for 2024-2029
To encourage development, the department has announced a fresh tourism policy for 2024 to 2029, providing numerous incentives for investors. “We are organizing 91 events statewide, with eight mega-events slated for significant promotion to highlight Andhra Pradesh as a tourist destination,” she mentioned.
Unique Festivals and Cultural Events
Discussing the upcoming events, she said: “We will host festivals like the Flamingo Festival and the Gandikota event, often referred to as the Grand Canyon of India. Events like Visakha Utsav, which celebrates activities along the Vizag Beach, and literary festivals in Amravati also provide excellent opportunities to draw crowds.”
To diversify target markets, she observed a trend among Southeast Asian travelers favoring Buddhist trails, while European and American operators show a keen interest in tribal experiences and local handicrafts.
Seela concluded with plans to engage more influencers and bloggers, aiming to increase visibility for Andhra Pradesh and bolster its tourism sector.”
