Andhra Pradesh Minister of Tourism, Kandula Durgesh, expressed delight at the significant emphasis on tourism, hospitality, and culture in the Union Budget, as the State has already received 450 crore rupees for tourism development.
The budget allocated 2,438 crore rupees to the tourism sector and a commendable 3,416 crore rupees to the cultural department. The Minister highlighted that these funds will enable international-standard tourism projects in the state, increasing tourist arrivals and enhancing visitor experiences.
Key initiatives include digitising and preserving spiritual, historical, and cultural heritage for future generations. Priority will be given to Buddhist circuits and historical monuments to attract more tourists. The budget also includes a plan to train 10,000 tour guides, improving service quality.
The Seaplane Viability Gap Funding Scheme and new air connectivity to remote areas will further boost tourism infrastructure. The budget focuses on skill training, employment, and youth development, aligning with the vision of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan to drive Andhra Pradesh’s growth.
Minister Durgesh called the budget historic, aiming to make India the third-largest economic power. He extended special thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for prioritising tourism, hospitality, and culture.