AP: India’s next big MICE destination
Andhra Pradesh has a lot of new tourism products to offer; weekend getaways from Hyderabad, MICE promotions, river & sea packages and tribal tourism alliances to name a few. With this and trade development activities, the state expects at least an eight p
TT BUREAU Andhra
Pradesh Tourism has created a lot of buzz since this summer. The State Tourism has conducted domestic roadshows, increased the number of familiarisation trips and is participating in international trade shows. “In the last three months we have organised roadshows in India and hosted familiarisation trips for a large number of agents from Pune, Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. Each tour has been customised adapting to the different tourism demands from each region, as we feel ‘seeing is believing’ and will make it easier for the private sector to promote the destination. We hope to see results of these initiatives soon,” says Chandana Khan, Special Chief Secretary, Tourism and Culture, Government of Andhra Pradesh.
“A lot of destinations in Andhra Pradesh are under promoted. In the international market, we are not displaying every nook and corner of the state but are focussing on places which have sufficient air connectivity and good infrastructure,” she adds.
Hyderabad, the State capital, adds tourism attractions nearly every year and its remarkable infrastructure is helping, the city, develop as a MICE destination. adds Khan. Making most of their MICE movements, the state has developed weekend getaways from Hyderabad to show visitors more aspects of the State. “The MICE segment gives us mileage. We organise cultural programmes every evening and offer support services to all large MICE movements. We are promoting weekend getaways and are trying to show the landscapes, heritage and culture of the State,” highlights Khan.
Another attraction being promoted is the river and sea cruise package in the northern costal region of AP. In Visakhapatnam along the Godavari belt, the State offers, the coconut country, sea beaches, cruises and peace of the water.
Wanting to increase tourism figures from other states, Khan is promoting the fairs and festivals of Andhra Pradesh, especially the Flamingo Festival, this January.
AP shares its borders with five states and Khan is planning to make the most of this. “We have spoken to Chhattisgarh Tourism and we will develop tourism opportunities within our tribal population and offer a holistic experience,” says Khan.
An MoU was recently signed with ITDCto promote inter- state promotion. “We are projecting a growth of about eight per cent in 2013 but the figures from last year have only increased by two to three per cent,” concludes Khan.