The bifurcated Andhra Pradesh has managed to beat its counterpart Telangana in tourism. Amongst 35 states and Union Territories in India, AP Tourism stands third in attracting domestic tourists, but Telangana stands at 30. The above statements are based on figures tabled at Rajya Sabha.
Andhra Pradesh seems to be doing well in the tourism sector with Telangana trailing far behind. National and international events hosted by AP, temple tourism via Tirumala, increased air connectivity and plans for lending better experiences to tourists via Borra Caves, Araku Valley, Rushikonda Beach and more have made AP the hotspot not just for domestic tourists but also international ones.
Andhra Pradesh has witnessed a 20% rise in domestic arrivals against the 71% rise in international arrivals between 2013 & 2015. Telangana on the other hand is falling short on footfalls showing only a 1% rise in domestic arrivals and sadly a 19% decrease in international arrivals.
While the AP government is doing its bit by offering reasonable packages and focusing on developing tourism in Visakhapatnam and its surroundings, it is the Tirumala temple that continues to bring in the moolah. Laxminarayana, Consultant for Tourism, AP government reportedly stated that it is Tirumala temple that continues to attract in a chunk of tourists from across the country but Visakhapatnam and its surrounding areas continue to gain attention from tourists of West Bengal and Odisha. The same is due to the reasonable packages being offered.
Sunita Bhagwat, Commissioner of Tourism, Department of Telangana reportedly stated that Telangana is only experiencing a low footfall due to lack of awareness amongst tourists. People are pretty much aware of Tirupati while they aren’t really aware of Yadagirigutta. But the Telangana tourism department has planned 12 roadshows to change this scenario and has been trying up with tour operators and travel writers to bring in more footfall to the state.
They are also coming up with an eco-tourism circuit at Mulugu-Gattamma temple area, Laknavaram lake, Medaram Gaddelu, Tadvai forest area, Damaravai Megalithic structures and Mallur temple in Warangal district in coordination with the Union Government. Hyderabad will also be hosting Skal World Congress, 2017 from October 5 to 9. The event will bring in tourism leaders from across the world to promote global tourism and friendship.
