‘Hyderabad Has The Potential Of Becoming The Fifth Metro Of India’

The only ’ism’ people want today is tourism. In keeping with this trend, T Srinivas Yadav, minister for tourism designation, government of Andhra Pradesh in conversation with Charmaine Fernz, talks about the tourism initiatives in the state, its tourism policy and how the state is geared up to reap the benefits of tourism

What progress has been made by the Andhra Pradesh government in the tourism sector?

Tourism in AP has come a long way since the first tourism policy introduced in 1998. Tourism has been identified as one of the high growth areas that would provide the required impetus to the economy of the state. Not only would tourism generate revenues but also generate employment and provide scope for infrastructural development. Over the past five years, we have facilitated over 219 projects costing over Rs 1,700 crore. We have encouraged private participation in the tourism sector. Over 88 projects costing Rs 810 crore have been set up exclusively by the private sector due to the state’s pro-active role. As far as development of tourism in the state is concerned, we have given utmost priority to conserve and preserve heritage in the state. Heritage tourism, temple tourism, eco-tourism, wildlife tourism and health tourism are actively being promoted in the state.

How is the government attracting investments in the state?

To bring in more investment and projects AP tourism has identified clusters for tourism developments like Hyderabad, Tirupati, Nagarjunasagar, Visakhapatnam, and Warangal. It has gone a step further in identifying vacant land in these areas to develop more attractions. The government has also created a multi-disciplined Project Monitoring Unit (PMU) to generate ideas, identify projects, select investors and monitor the implementation processes. With an open door policy and investor friendly government, we are confident of attracting more investments. We are also regularly creating awareness through print, electronic and events to promote the state as the ideal tourist destination.

How are you sprucing up the tourism infrastructure in the state?

Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) is constantly upgrading the tourism infrastructure in the state. To give a boost to the tourism infrastructure in the state, APTDC has taken up the project to develop Paryatak Bhavan, a one-stop shop for all tourism needs. The project is coming up on a two-acre plot on the Begumpet road, which is very close to the airport. The seven-storied building will give access to tourism products of different states under one roof. It will also house an 80-room star hotel on the top three floors with retail outlets, showrooms and a craft bazaar on the ground floor. Today, Hyderabad is considered a potential business hub.

What are your views on the city as a MICE (Meeting, Incentives, Convention, Exhibition) destination?

Hyderabad has the potential of becoming the fifth metro of India. If you look at the hotel occupancy rates, Hyderabad had an occupancy rate of 67.2 per cent in 2002, which is more than the national average in the country. The government is also encouraging hotel chains by identifying vacant lands in the city to set up their properties. Many corporates are already choosing Hyderabad for their seminars conventions and other meetings. As far as convention facilities are concerned, we have the newly built up Shilpakalavedika auditorium at Shilparamam, Madhapur and also the Viceroy convention centre is world-class. Once the international airport comes up, we will focus on improving the convention facilities.