Highlighting the paramount role of the Tourism sector in boosting the economy and creating jobs Andhra Pradesh’s Special Chief Secretary for Tourism&Culture, Mr Ajay Jain, IAS said that the sector is being given utmost priority for development.
‘Right from the top i.e. Chief Minister Mr Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Mr Pawan Kalyan, IT Minister Mr Nara Lokesh and Tourism minister Mr Kandula Durgesh have all accorded their wholehearted support for the development of the tourism sector. There will be only one ism in the future i.e. tourism’ said Mr Jain speaking to Vizag Industrial Scan.
Elaborating further he said that the government is working on both short term and long term goals to enhance the growth of the sector.
‘We first need to capitalize on the low hanging fruits which can easily be implemented’ said Mr Jain. One of things that the government is working on is exploring ways in which non star hotel rooms can be incentivised and upgraded to be at par with star category rooms.
‘This will help us quickly ramp up our room inventory in the state. We need to get our basics right first which includes ramping up infrastructure, maintaining good hygiene, proper sanitation facilities & amenities for tourists at various places.
There is a five-star hotel every 20 meters in the Maldives, and such infrastructure needs to be provided in the state as well’ informed Mr Jain.
Similarly he said that the government is giving equal focus to marquee brands that have evinced interest in setting up luxury properties across the state. These include the likes of the Oberoi group, Taj, ITC etc.
‘I can assure you that all these big names in the hospitality space are being given full attention and cooperation to expedite their projects in the state. Specific Whatsapp groups have been set up to swiftly allay any of their concerns/delays ’ said the special chief secretary Tourism and culture.
In addition beach tourism, adventure tourism, religious tourism and other such initiatives are being undertaken in a big way by the state to kickstart investments into this sector.
Mr Jain therefore called upon investors to come set up tourism projects in AP and said that this is the right time for them to invest in the tourism sector.
‘As our CM has time and again stated it is just not about ease of doing business but speed of doing business which is being given much prominence’ cited Mr Jain.
He also lauded the efforts of the tourism minister Mr Kandula Durgesh for actively working on boosting the sector and simultaneously resolving industry concerns.
‘Granting industry status to the Tourism sector is one such example where the government is sincerely listening to the demands of the industry’ said Mr Jain.
