Hyderabad, July 24: Andhra Pradesh tops the country in attracting tourists from across the country for the last 14 years, Andhra Pradesh tourism secretary Jayesh Ranjan has said.
“Tourism industry in the state has developed by 16 per cent last year, with 129 million tourists (including 88 million to Tirupati) visiting the state whereas Madhya Pradesh stood second with 114 million tourists,’’ he added.
Inaugurating a three-day Trade and Travel Fair (TTF) at the Expotel here today, he said the `travel show’ aims to provide a platform for traders, tour operators and travel agents under one roof.
This year is special as the show has international participants.
“The fact that China, Japan, Philippines, Maldives and Nepal participating in the show indicates the increasing patronage for the fair,’’ he opined.
Citing statistics, the tourism secretary said, the number of tourists have been increasing every year by 80,000 to one lakh.
“Andhra Pradesh, which lags behind in attracting foreign tourists and couldn’t figure even in the top 10 list, stood at seventh position last year,’’ he said.
Last year the state earned Rs 400 crore revenue from tourism, of which the government share was Rs 120 crore.
“Tourism staff will talk to tour operators and travel agents to encourage people from other states to visit the state,’’ he said.
While urging people to make use of the fair, he appealed to the TTF organisers to hold similar events in other parts of the state as well.
Sanjiv Agarwal, chairman and CEO of Fairfest Media limited, which is organising the fair, said they were focusing on domestic tourism. The fair will be open to general public on Saturday and Sunday as Friday was reserved to invitees, traders and other travel agents.
The fair has over 125 stalls, mostly by hotels, resorts, tourism operators and state tourism organisations, from all over India and abroad. Entry is free and a surprise gift awaits every visiting family.
–Agencies