Andhra govt's new focus in on tourism

The AP government is giving a big push to tourism projects to improve its revenue and put the state on the global map. The fund-starved state government, which at present gets 14 per cent of its revenue through the tourism sector, plans to increase the share to 18 per cent.

Chief minister Chandrababu Naidu has directed the tourism department to ready plans for several major projects. Naidu is keen to convert the 1,000-km long coastline into a money-spinning machine by developing beach resorts, parks and picnic spots.

"While the tourism sector is capable of providing as many as 78 jobs on an investment of Rs 10 lakh, the agriculture sector provides 45 jobs for the same investment. The manufacturing sector, ironically, provides only 13 jobs," said economics professor LSN Prasad of Acharya Nagarjuna University.

According to the planning commission, tourism sector, which witnessed 9% growth in 2012, is expected to grow at 12.9% by 2030. A Planning Commission report said Indian tourism sector earned Rs 3.8 lakh crore with 9% growth rate in 2012.

Incidentally, AP is among the top five grossers of tourism revenue. Kerala tops the list with 18.2%, followed by Himachal Pradesh with 16.8%. United Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan shared the third spot with 14% revenue. Official statistics point out that Goa earns only 11.8% of its total revenues through tourism.

"The chief minister wants us to increase the revenue through tourism to at least 18% in the next 10 years. We have readied the plans to achieve the target," said special chief secretary (tourism) Chandana Khan.

Planning of exclusive tours to religious places, beach resorts, historical sites and green zones are on the top of the tourism department's agenda. Making Bhavani Island in Vijayawada a major tourist attraction is also a high priority, she added.

QUOTE

While the tourism sector is capable of providing as many as 78 jobs on an investment of Rs 10 lakh, the agriculture sector provides 45 jobs for the same investment. The manufacturing sector, ironically, provides only 13 jobs. — LSN Prasad, Economics professor, Acharya Nagarjuna University

http://ift.tt/1wSI9KK projects,push to tourism projects,Acharya Nagarjuna University

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