Southern India is gearing up for a tourism boom, with a major conference scheduled for September 9th in Visakhapatnam aimed at unlocking the region’s immense potential. This mega event, focused on tourism development, will bring together ministers from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Puducherry, and Lakshadweep to discuss strategies for attracting more visitors to their respective states.
The conference, chaired by Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and attended by Minister of State for Tourism Suresh Gopi, is a pivotal step in the government’s efforts to promote tourism in southern India. These efforts are backed by significant investment, with the Union Ministry of Tourism approving numerous large-scale development projects across the region.
One of the key initiatives is the Rs 30.02 crore project for Mamallapuram in Tamil Nadu, aimed at creating an immersive experience at the Shore Temple. Other projects include development for The Nilgiris, Thanjavur, and Rameswaram Island under the Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) scheme. These projects prioritize comprehensive site development to enhance the tourist experience.
Karnataka is receiving Rs 45.71 crore for developing amenities at Sri Chamundeshwari Devi Temple, with the Renuka Yellamma Temple and Papnash Temple also slated for development under the CBDD scheme. These initiatives aim to attract more tourists by improving infrastructure and visitor experiences.
Andhra Pradesh is benefiting from a Rs 54.04 crore project at Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narsimha Swamy Vari Devasthanam at Simhachalam, approved during the 2022-23 fiscal year. Meanwhile, Telangana has three projects underway under both the Swadesh Darshan and PRASAD schemes, focusing on spiritual tourism.
These projects extend beyond physical infrastructure, encompassing the promotion of lesser-known destinations and spiritual tourism. The government is collaborating with organizations like the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) and Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) to market these destinations to a global audience.
The conference and accompanying projects are expected to have a profound impact on southern India’s tourism landscape. By enhancing infrastructure, promoting cultural experiences, and attracting more international tourists, the region is poised to become a major player in the global tourism market. The success of these initiatives could lead to an influx of both domestic and international travelers, transforming southern India into a prominent travel destination.
