Minister unveils ‘Godavari declaration’ to promote tourism ahead of Godavari Pushkarams-2027
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Minister of Culture and Tourism Kandula Durgesh on Sunday (September 27, 2026) unveiled the Godavari Declaration titled “The Godavari Calls,” aimed to promote tourism ahead of Godavari Pushkarams-2027. “The Godavari region has emerged as a prime destination for film shootings and the homestay initiative also gained popularity. A tent city and Havelock bridge will be developed ahead of the Godavari Pushkarams,” he said.
Addressing the gathering on World Tourism Day celebrations here, Mr. Durgesh said that the tourism sector, which recently gained industry status, succeeded in attracting ₹20,000 crore of investment in the State. He said that construction of at least 16 major hotels across the State was in progress, with an estimated investment of ₹6,000 crore attracted over the past two years in Andhra Pradesh.
On the adoption of technology in the tourism sector, Mr. Durgesh said that 130 tourist destinations, including temples, have been documented through AI tools, and shared online. “Blessed with a 974-kilometer-long coast, rich culinary and tribal diversity, 21 crafts, arts and foods with Geographical Indication tag and Araku coffee, the Andhra Pradesh State will become a prime destination in the country,” he said.
Stating that the Godavari region will soon become a premier choice for travelers, East Godavari District Collector Kirthi Chekuri said, “The deep forest cover of Maredumilli will become the most sought-after destination for sighting the Milky Way in the Godavari region, which is blessed with many landscapes, temples, and archaeological sites.”
Special Chief Secretary to the Government for Youth Advancement, Tourism, and Culture S.S. Ravat said that technology, including AI, being adopted in the tourism sector should not replace the authenticity of tourist destinations. The Tourism Department is adopting AI tools for translation of local languages and documenting tourist destinations. “Nowadays, tourism is not merely a competition among destinations but experiences,” he stated.
APTDC Managing Director P. Ravi Subhash announced that the corporation would soon promote bike expeditions to promote adventure tourism on the routes of Rajamahendravaram-Maredumilli, Visakhapatnam-Araku, Tirupati-Gandikota routes.
A.P. Star Hotels Association president R.V. Swamy claimed that at least 45 hotels are under construction in the cities of Amaravati, Tirupati, Kakinada, and Visakhapatnam.
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