AP has the potential to be world class tourism destination: Rammohan Naidu - The HinduPublished - September 10, 2026 11:59 pm IST - VISAKHAPATNAM:Hareesh P _12232Kinjarau Rammohan Naidu | Photo Credit: FILE PHOTOUnion Minister for Civil Aviation K Rammohan Naidu on Thursday assured the Central government’s full support for developing tourism in Andhra Pradesh. He also announced that new airports and introduction of seaplane services were being planned to make travel to tourist destinations faster.Speaking at the 41st Annual Convention of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) under the theme “India – The World’s Next Tourism Opportunity,” Mr. Rammohan said that Andhra Pradesh possesses abundant natural, spiritual, and cultural resources necessary to transform it into a world-class tourism destination.He highlighted that the State is home to numerous hidden tourism gems, and that air connectivity to major tourist destinations across the State—including Visakhapatnam—was being strengthened.He said: “Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu firmly believes the future belongs to the tourism sector and is prioritising it with special attention.Minister for Tourism Kandula Durgesh said: “Seven special tourism circuits have been planned for the river Godavari Pushkarams in 2027. These circuits encompass the Pancharama Kshetras, Shakti Peethas, Devi Kshetras, Vaishnava Divya Kshetras, Godavari Heritage Temples, Pushkar Ghats, and the Akhanda Godavari regions.”He said that tourism packages have been designed to connect various destinations, including the historic Havelock Bridge, Papikondalu, Pushkar Ghats, Harathi venues with pilgrimage sites such as Antarvedi, Vadapalli, Appanapalli, Mandapalli, Samarlakota, Draksharamam, and Palakollu.Mr. Durgesh announced that the State government was working towards strengthening Andhra Pradesh into a pivotal and premier tourism destination on India’s tourism map.Earlier, to mark the commencement of the convention, the dignitaries unveiled the ‘Indian Association of Tour Operators Manual Book.’ Mr Durgesh also launched the poster for ‘The Godavari Calls’—a prestigious initiative by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department designed to bring spirituality, culture, and heritage together on a single platform, much like the Kumbh Mela. The Minister added that the poster highlights the significance of the Godavari Pushkaram, scheduled for 2027, and provides details regarding tourism circuits.Published - September 10, 2026 11:59 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }