AP Government Optimistic About Tourism

Targets 15 Per Cent Growth For 2004

Charmaine Fernz - Mumbai

The state of Andhra Pradesh (AP) though witnessed a change of guard at the government has placed high hopes on tourism for the coming year. It is this strategic focus that has evolved Hyderabad from just an old world charm to a new hi-tech city, creating a niche for the destination on the global scenario. Explains Chandana Khan, secretary tourism, government of AP, "Though there is a change in government, Hyderabad will continue to develop as an important tourism destination. The city has definitely evolved in the area of tourism over the last few years, which could be attributed to the concerted efforts by AP Tourism. To substantiate this statement, one needs to gauge the domestic tourist arrivals that have increased from four crore three years back to seven crore in 2003, while international arrivals have increased from one lakh to three lakh. On a futuristic note, we are aiming at a 15 per cent increase in tourist arrivals this year."

Hyderabad in particular as an evolving city has a lot to offer tourists right from the age old Charminar to the state-of-the-art HITEX City and was adjudged one of the cleanest cities in India. All these factors though set a positive trend on the tourism front, there are certain hurdles that the state faces. A few of which are adequate hotels and air connectivity. Explains Khan, "Though, we have limited hotel rooms but additional hotels are being planned. The air connectivity from the state has also improved in the last two years with Qatar, SriLankan and many more commencing operations from the state. However, we d have more airlines like Oman Airlines and other are starting from September. This would ease the situation."

Veer Vijay Singh, area director and general manager, Taj Residency explains the difficulties hoteliers have to face in the state. "Hotels have been given industry status but electricity is charged at commercial rate, which is higher. Subsequently, higher property tax is charged to hotels, which have many public areas, which do not generate revenue. There is partial prohibition in the state of AP - liquor to be purchased from APBCL where high taxes have been levied. Case in point: Imported Liquor where Central Government has levid 0 per cent duty whereas in AP the charges are 120 per cent duty. There are various police permissions to be taken for organising events, which are a hindrance to hoteliers. And finally, what the state needs is the introduction of tourist police who would be of assistance to tourists and avoid harassment."

Having comprehended the hurdles, Singh adds certain suggestions that could be incorporated for success tourism growth. "We need to continue to market the city and also support it by introducing better packages in tours, better transport system and yellow cabs, relaxation of bar timings, introduction of night bazars at Charminar and last but not the least, promotion of night life like discotheques and may be casinos in Vizag."

Though the suggestions may be viable, Khan elaborates on the city's future plans from the government's point of view, "There are a lot of aspects wherein we could promote Hyderabad, some of which include the city being promoted as a conference, sports, hertiage and health destination. However, we feel that it is focused promotion that will place the city on the global map and to attain this, we are looking at new hotels, additional flight connections, new golf courses and revival and improvisation of heritage monuments like Tharmati, Pemamati, Qutub Shai Tombs, Paigh Tombs etc. We would be linking up with airlines and travel agents for promotional packages. Tie-ups with leading travel agents and tour operators is in the pipeline in other cities and countries to promote Hyderabad."