The new Andhra Pradesh Tourism Policy 2024-29 aims to grant Industry Status to the tourism and hospitality sectors, introducing incentives such as stamp duty reimbursements, capital subsidies, and various operational benefits.

The Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), the world’s third-largest hospitality association, welcomes this policy, calling it a visionary approach to transforming the state’s tourism landscape. The aim is to create a favorable investment environment, enhance infrastructure, and promote sustainability to position Andhra Pradesh as a global tourism hotspot while supporting economic growth and cultural preservation.

The state government has recognized tourism as crucial for economic expansion, aiming to elevate the sector’s share of Gross Value Added (GVA) from 4.6% to 8% and employment from 12% to 15% by 2029. Plans include attracting private investments of ₹25,000 crore and developing seven major tourism hubs with 25 circuits featuring beaches, eco-tourism, river cruises, and cultural heritage sites.

According to K. Syama Raju, “Andhra Pradesh has taken a giant leap in Tourism and Hospitality… This policy fosters growth in economic and employment opportunities while emphasizing sustainability and community welfare.” The FHRAI believes these incentives will reduce operation costs and encourage both domestic and international investments, setting a precedent for other states to follow.