‘The Focus Is On Qualitative And Quantitative Accommodation’

Nagi Reddy, secretary tourism, Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC), speaks about the current state-of-affairs in Andhra Pradesh tourism.

How well-equipped in Andhra Pradesh to handle mega-events?

There is an SOS call from many quarters to provide enough space for the hospitality industry as many national and international events are slated to happen next year, viz. the ASIAD 2006, Kalachakra, a Buddhist initiation movement in 2006, Asian Development Bank, board of Governors meeting 2006, etc. With these mega events lined up, we are gearing up to meet the demands.

What is the main hurdle faced by the department in such scenario?

The McKinsey analysis says that tourism is the world's largest industry contributing to the world economy to the tune of $4544 billion followed by chemicals which is $1500 billion. Underscoring the importance to exploit tourism resources, the department is working over time to attract national and international visitors to make Andhra a tourist hub. But there are hurdles to cross. As of now we have Hyderabad with just eight 5-star, five 4-star, nine 3-star hotels and it cannot cater to the growing demands.

How do you plan to overcome the situation?

The state is now gearing up to put in place the required infrastructure. The focus is now anchored at qualitative and quantitative accommodations to the tourists. We need to promote 20 five star hotels, 50 budget hotels, 20 resorts, 100 urban entertainment centres and 300 motels with an outlay of Rs 6,300 crore and we are confident of accelerating the tourism input to a whopping Rs 1000 crore per annum.

The state has entered an agreement with IHHR Hospitality Pvt Limited New Delhi to open Ananda Spa/Hotel and Training Centre at NanakramGuda, Hyderabad. A five star and three star hotel at Shilparamam, Hyderabad, a three star hotel in association with Emaar Associates, and another three star hotel at Duggam cheruvu would add about 1500 to 2000 additional accommodation to the industry.

A whole lot of projects are underway to develop the Buddhist sites in the State. Could you elucidate?

A Rs 10 crore project is underway at Nagarjuna Sagar. Here we are putting up what is known as "Boudha Vanam" where the replicas of Buddhist Stupas from all over the world will be installed. There are plans to set up a museum, an information center, restaurants, library and a huge outdoor area. In Amarvati, a 2.5 crore project is almost on the verge of completion.

Is medical tourism also a major thrust area for your government?

We are placing a lot of emphasis on medical tourism and Hyderabad has huge potential considering such major corporate hospitals providing high-quality treatment for ailments. We feel we must capitalise on these facilities in a big way. Right now, we are in the throes of working out the plan with major hospitals. We are shortly going to have a meeting with the corporate MDs to see how the government and corporate hospitals can work out a package as a lot of people from the Middle East are interested in our offers.