Andhra Pradesh Tourism Minister
Meet the Minister
Hon’ble Tourism Minister, Respected Shri Kandula Durgesh garu (b. 17 Sep 1962, Rajahmundry) holds an M.A. in Economics from Andhra University.
A seasoned leader, he served as a Member of the Legislative Council from 2007–2013, joined Janasena Party in 2018, and was elected as MLA from Nidadavole in June 2024.
He was appointed Minister for Tourism, Culture & Cinematography on 12 June 2024 in the cabinet led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
Vision & Priorities
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Tourism Redevelopment: Hon’ble Tourism Minister, Respected Shri Kandula Durgesh garu envisions Andhra Pradesh as a top-tier tourism destination, developing thematic tourist circuits such as temple, beach, river, eco, Buddhist, and cruise tourism.
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Investor-Centric Growth: He launched the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Policy 2024–29, which provides industrial status to tourism, encourages Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), and ensures monthly review meetings for efficient implementation.
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Global Branding: Hon’ble Tourism Minister, Respected Shri Kandula Durgesh garu is promoting Andhra’s rich heritage, scenic coastline, and vibrant festivals through international expos and digital marketing campaigns.
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Cine-Tourism Development: He is actively promoting film shootings in beautiful locations like Araku, Visakhapatnam, and Rajamahendravaram to boost tourism through cinema.
Key Initiatives Underway
| Initiative | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Tourism Circuits | Under the leadership of Hon’ble Tourism Minister, Respected Shri Kandula Durgesh garu, over 25 themed circuits are being developed, including temple, beach, river, eco, Buddhist, and cruise routes. |
| Infrastructure Boost | Projects like Akhanda Godavari, eco-resorts at Suryalanka and Mypadu, tent stays at 6+ sites, and houseboats on rivers are being implemented. |
| Homestays & Adventure Tourism | Emphasis is on tribal, village, and nature-based experiences through 500+ homestays and adventure activities. |
| Investor Summits | Hon’ble Tourism Minister, Respected Shri Kandula Durgesh garu is actively organizing tourism expos and roadshows to attract global and domestic investors. |
Stakeholder Engagement
At recent industry roundtables, Hon’ble Tourism Minister, Respected Shri Kandula Durgesh garu received praise for his accessibility and transparent vision. Key demands from tourism stakeholders — such as simplified permissions, beach shack guidelines, and a single-window system — were acknowledged with strong government support.
Achievements & Forward Plans
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Growth Target: Hon’ble Tourism Minister, Respected Shri Kandula Durgesh garu has set a target of 20% annual growth in the tourism sector.
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Tech Integration: AI-powered services for personalized experiences, digital promotion tools, and app-based itineraries are in progress.
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Cinema as a Catalyst: Film production houses are now actively choosing Andhra Pradesh thanks to his cine-tourism support initiatives.
Impact on Tourists & Communities
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Enriched Travel: Visitors can enjoy a wider variety of experiences — spiritual, cultural, natural, and coastal.
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Rural Development: Local communities gain employment through homestays, guiding, transport, and local crafts.
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Global Reach: Marketing and cinematic promotion aim to make Andhra Pradesh a preferred international travel destination.
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Sustainable Model: Projects focus on eco-tourism, community welfare, and long-term value creation.
Conclusion
Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Tourism Minister, Respected Shri Kandula Durgesh garu, Andhra Pradesh is rapidly emerging as a premier tourism state in India. With focused planning, investor partnerships, cultural celebration, and innovative branding, the future of AP tourism looks promising and world-class.
