AP, Karnataka to promote tourism

The MoU, signed by both the states, will facilitate easier booking of train tickets and hotels to various destinations

Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka have signed an MoU for cross promotion of tourism in both the states. The tourism departments of both the southern states signed the memorandum during the visit of Chandana Khan, special chief secretary (tourism) of Andhra Pradesh government, to Bangalore recently. She was in Bangalore to discuss measures to enhance tourism in both the states.

The MoU will facilitate easier booking of train tickets and hotels to various destinations in Andhra Pradesh. In addition, there will also be a 50 per cent discount on these bookings. According to the officials, this will be a win-win situation as it will help increase tourist traffic in both the states.

During her discussion with C D Dyavaiah, managing dire- ctor of Karnataka Tourism Development Corporation, she also discussed the possibility of extending Karnataka's luxury train Golden Chariot into select places in Andhra Pradesh.

"Karnataka is a market with tremendous opportunity and we want to tap into this to maximise tourism in our state. The proximity to Andhra Pradesh and the multiple options of modes of travel make it an easy holiday option for people from the state. We are looking to expand and build this market," Khan said.

Significantly, the Andhra Pradesh government is focusing on the development of new and unexplored destinations, and generating tourists in addition to the already popular destinations such as the temple town of Tirupati and the megapolis of Hyderabad.

"We are are optimistic that this will be a step forward in terms of increasing tourism initiatives in both the states," Dyavaiah said.

Soon, APTDC will operate as many as nine new beach properties at Baruva and Kalingapatnam (Srikakulam district), Chintapally (Vizianagaram), Kakinada (East Godavari), Perupalem (West Godavari), Ramayapatnam (Prakasam), and Tummalapenta, Maypadu and Kotta Kudur (all in Nellore).

Among the special destinations and scenic locations high on APTDC's list are: Dindi, Horsley Hills, Bhavani Island, Suryalanka, Vikarabad, Nagarjuna Sagar and Bhadrachalam.