Andhra Pradesh to Promote Event Management Sector for Tourism Growth

Andhra Pradesh Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh emphasized the importance of event management in boosting tourism and hospitality. The government plans to implement policies supporting event planning, organization, and management, and will focus on creating a favorable environment to promote the state as a destination for various events. The state aims to integrate the event management sector into tourism growth strategies and has prepared a calendar to organize mega and district-level events.

Title: Andhra Pradesh Boosts Tourism with Focus on Event Management

Andhra Pradesh's Tourism Minister, Kandula Durgesh, has underscored the critical role of event management in enhancing the state's tourism and hospitality sectors. The government has outlined policies to support event planning, organization, and management, with a focus on creating a favorable environment for promoting the state as a destination for various events [1].

The state aims to integrate the event management sector into its tourism growth strategies. To achieve this, a calendar has been prepared to organize eight mega events and 15 district-level events. Partnerships with international associations such as the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) and the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) are being forged to promote the event management sector [1].

Additionally, the Tourism Policy aims to increase the tourism sector's contribution to the state's GDP from 4.6% to 8% and create 2 lakh new jobs, raising tourism's employment share from 12% to over 15%. The policy also seeks to position Andhra Pradesh as one of India's top 10 States for foreign tourism [1].

In a significant move, the state government inked deals worth ₹500 crore with various organizations, including Ease My Trip and Hilton Hotels, to set up tourism projects at various locations. These projects include building hotels and facilities for adventure sports, kayaking, jet skiing, and more [2]. The Chief Minister, N Chandrababu Naidu, laid the foundation for several tourism projects under Central Government schemes such as Swadesh Darshan and SASKY, with an estimated cost of ₹78 crore for transforming Gandikota into a world-class tourism destination [2].

Furthermore, the state plans to develop 50,000 hotel rooms across various tourist hotspots, along with the formulation of a master plan for Gandikota as a prominent tourist destination [2]. The government is also working on 25 thematic circuits and eight state-level tourism events, among other initiatives [2].

The global tourism event market is expected to witness consistent expansion, with a projected size of $2085.2 billion by 2029, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.8%. Factors contributing to this growth include government backing, advancements in event technology, and a heightened predilection for experiential marketing [3].

These developments in Andhra Pradesh's tourism sector indicate a strategic focus on leveraging the event management industry to drive economic growth and enhance tourist experiences.

References:
[1] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/focus-is-on-promoting-event-management-sector-to-boost-tourism-says-ap-minister/article69887597.ece
[2] https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/andhra-pradesh-govt-inks-tourism-project-deals-worth-500-crore-125080101927_1.html
[3] https://www.openpr.com/news/4130106/2025-2034-tourism-event-market-evolution-disruptions