Tourism flourishes in Andhra Pradesh

For much of its existence, Andhra Pradesh has been recognised for its leadership role in the agricultural sector.

In its 50th year, the state is now being recognised as a tourism powerhouse, attracting the largest number of domestic tourists.

Ever since the largest Imax screen in the world opened in Hyderabad two years ago, it has been Govind's, a vendor, favourite spot to sell masala chat.

With the growing number of regular visitors and tourists to the multiplex, his fortunes have become upwardly mobile as well.

�All kinds of people from all over come here. Some even come to eat my chat. Business has picked up,� said Govind.

Hot destination

Not surprising then that Andhra Pradesh is now the country's number one destination. Over nine crore domestic tourists visited the state in 2005-2006 - much more than the number to Uttar Pradesh, Goa and Kerala.

The flip side, however, is that Andhra Pradesh needs to thank God for that because 55 per cent of these tourists are pilgrims to Lord Balaji's shrine at Tirumala.

Hyderabad is also the preferred choice for convention tourism, leading to a sharp increase in the number of business travelers, which has compelled the hospitality industry to get its act together.

In the last couple of years, six star hotels have set up shop and another eight existing hotels will add more rooms in the next six months. Nearly 70 budget hotels have come up as well.

�This is the right time. Till 2010, there is enough time and good time to invest. The world is looking at Hyderabad now,� said Pradeep Dutt, Joint Secretary, AP Hotels Association.

The icing on the cake is that Andhra Pradesh has achieved the distinction in its golden jubilee year.

But there are several challenges ahead, like ensuring Hyderabad emerges top on the software list and social indices list.

It has also to ensure the state does not end up with the dubious distinction of being top in either farmers' suicides or HIV prevalence.

Source