Andhra Pradesh Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh announced that the State has attracted nearly INR 12,000 crore in tourism sector investments over the past year. These investments have supported the construction and upgrading of multiple tourist facilities across Andhra Pradesh, aimed at boosting visitor numbers and improving infrastructure. Speaking at the inauguration of the modernised Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) Haritha Hotel, popularly known as Yatrinivas, at Appughar, he outlined the State’s vision for a more vibrant tourism sector.

The newly renovated Yatrinivas has been given a major facelift, featuring air-conditioned suites, deluxe and executive rooms, a bar, a restaurant, and a meeting hall. The Minister revealed that INR 13.5 crore had been invested to modernise the property, which now boasts 41 rooms equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. He emphasised that such projects are part of a broader government plan to upgrade hotels and resorts across the State to meet the needs of both domestic and international tourists.

Following the inauguration, Durgesh inspected the new facilities at Yatrinivas and expressed optimism that these upgrades would significantly improve the tourist experience. He also visited Tyda and Jungle Bells Resorts in Ananthagiri mandal, Alluri Sitharama Raju district, pointing out that these sites had suffered from neglect under the previous government. According to him, the tourism and forest departments are now collaborating to revitalise these locations and restore their appeal.

The Minister further noted that the Union government is extending substantial support for tourism development in Andhra Pradesh. Key pilgrimage destinations such as Annavaram and Simhachalam are being improved, with a focus on providing better accommodation for devotees. Additionally, the government is prioritising the development of scenic tribal areas like Lambasingi and Vanjangi, with assistance from Central schemes, to attract more visitors and boost local economies.

Durgesh was critical of the previous administration, accusing it of failing to utilise the State’s rich tourism potential. He claimed that such inaction led to missed opportunities for growth and job creation. In contrast, he asserted that the current coalition government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan, is actively working to revitalise the industry and create employment opportunities for the youth.

Earlier in the day, the Minister inaugurated a Tourism CRW Counter at RK Beach in Visakhapatnam. This facility will allow tourists to book tickets for hop-on-hop-off double-decker buses operating between RK Beach and Totlakonda. He expressed confidence that improved accessibility, modernised infrastructure, and coordinated promotional efforts will position Andhra Pradesh as a leading tourism destination in India.

The second edition of SITM–South India TRAVMART was held on August 29–30, 2025, at the Accord Metropolitan Hotel, Chennai, marking another milestone in the growth of the B2B travel mart series. The event witnessed record participation, bringing together 58 exhibitors that included leading airlines, hotel chains, DMCs, cruise lines, state tourism boards, and international tourism boards.

Strong Industry Support

This year’s edition was headlined by Chhattisgarh Tourism as the Gold Sponsor, represented by a delegation of 11 service providers. The Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board – South India and Sri Lanka also extended its support, flying in four service providers and hoteliers from Malaysia to present their offerings. The collaborative participation underscored the growing relevance of South India as a vital market for both domestic and international destinations.

Inaugural Ceremony

The mart opened with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony graced by Sunil Kumar, President of TAAI, as Guest of Honour. He was joined by industry leaders including Hishamuddin Bin Mustafa, Director, Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board – South India and Sri Lanka; T. Devaki (TAAI); S.P. Rajendran (TAAI); Ross Masood (GITC); C.K. Raja (TAFI); Dr. Nitin Mittal (NIMA); and P. Ashok Kumar (ADTOI). Their presence lent weight to the event’s positioning as a platform for meaningful collaboration within the travel trade community.

Cultural and Knowledge Showcases

The cultural segment offered a delightful glimpse of South India’s artistic heritage through a Bharatanatyam performance by Smritika and Yogitha of Sridevi Nrithyalaya, along with students of Guru Dr. Sheela Unnikrishnan, who presented a soulful Ganesh Vandana.

Complementing the cultural showcase, the mart featured a series of knowledge sessions. Presentations were delivered by Chhattisgarh Tourism Board, Ren Tours (Bhutan), Sasta Europe, Turtle Down Under, and TRAVMART Marketplace, giving participants insights into emerging destinations and evolving travel trends.

High-Impact B2B Networking

One of the core highlights of SITM–South India TRAVMART was the intensive B2B networking, which saw the participation of nearly 200 pre-registered buyers from across Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala. Over the course of the two-day event, these engagements resulted in more than 4,000 business meetings, showcasing the high level of demand and the opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships across the region’s travel ecosystem.

Adding to the lively atmosphere, the mart also hosted exciting lucky draws. Prizes included complimentary visa services and discount coupons from Airocity Visas, holiday packages to Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan from REZBOOK, a hotel stay package from Lexis Hotel Group Malaysia, and smartwatches from TRAVMART Marketplace.

The success of the second edition of SITM highlights the growing importance of South India as a hub for both outbound and domestic travel opportunities. By bringing together tourism boards, global service providers, and a wide network of travel buyers, the mart once again reinforced its position as a vital platform for business development, networking, and knowledge exchange.