Naidu Unveils Vision to Make Andhra Pradesh a Global Hub for Wellness, Tourism, and Economic Growth
Andhra Pradesh to Become a Future Hub of Wellness and Happiness, Says CM Naidu;

Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh — Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday laid out an ambitious roadmap to transform Andhra Pradesh into a global destination for wellness, happiness, and tourism-led growth. Speaking at a tourism conclave in Vijayawada, Naidu said his government’s vision is to build a "wealthy, healthy, and happy" Andhra Pradesh, with tourism as a key driver of economic transformation.
“Andhra Pradesh will be the future destination for wellness and happiness,” Naidu said. “That is the goal I have set—to make this state wealthy, healthy, and happy.”
Outlining the state’s tourism potential, Naidu called the sector a powerful engine for job creation, economic growth, and cultural promotion. He pointed out that tourism already contributes significantly to employment worldwide, noting that for every ₹1 lakh invested, the industry generates eight jobs—more than IT, manufacturing, or agriculture.
Naidu aims to increase tourism’s contribution to the state’s economy from the current ₹74,000 crore to ₹2.4 lakh crore by 2029, while raising its employment share from 12% to 15%. To support this growth, the government plans to increase the number of hotel rooms in the state from 19,500 to 50,000 over the next five years.
Highlighting Andhra Pradesh’s unique spiritual and natural assets, Naidu emphasized the immense potential of temple tourism. “We have 21 temples where annual donations exceed ₹1 crore. Our state is blessed with ancient cities, a 1,000-km coastline, forest reserves, and major rivers like the Godavari and Krishna,” he said.
To fully tap into this potential, the government is developing seven major tourism hubs—Visakhapatnam, Araku, Rajahmundry, Amaravati, Srisailam, Gandikota, and Tirupati. Additionally, more than 25 thematic tourism circuits are in the works, including temple, coastal, river, cruise, Buddhist, and eco-tourism routes.
Naidu also unveiled the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Policy 2024–29, which grants the sector "industry status" and offers significant incentives to investors. These include 100% exemption from stamp duty, electricity duty reimbursement for five years, SGST reimbursements for up to 15 years, and a fast-track clearance system under the government’s new “speed of doing business” initiative.
“We will cut through red tape and accelerate clearances in real-time. If more reforms are needed, I am ready to bring them in,” Naidu said.
In a surprise move, the Chief Minister invited yoga guru Baba Ramdev, who was present at the event, to serve as the state’s tourism advisor. “I am requesting Baba Ramdev ji to be our tourism advisor. He would be the best brand manager and promoter for Andhra Pradesh. With his support, tourism in the state will flourish,” he added.
The event marked a bold statement of intent from the new government, positioning Andhra Pradesh as not just a tourism destination, but a model for holistic development.