Latest news with #AjayJain
The Hindu
23-05-2025
- The Hindu
Govt. looks to promote Manduva houses as homestays
In efforts to preserve culture and boost rural tourism, the Department of Tourism has been actively persuading owners of heritage and traditional houses to convert them into 'homestays' for tourists visiting the State. Special Chief Secretary to Housing and Tourism Ajay Jain on Thursday visited a few 'Manduva' houses in the West Godavari district to identify and promote them as homestays. The Godavari region is famous for 'Manduva' houses, which are mostly located in the villages and coconut orchards. Mr. Ajay visited the Mandal Kopella Manthena heritage home at Kalla village, which now functions as a homestay. Mr. Ajay said: 'Many of the Manduva houses have been abandoned by families who have settled abroad. A large number of these Manduva homes qualify as heritage houses. We are working to convince owners of these houses to convert them into homestays.' He added that the homestay initiative will attract tourists to the region and create employment opportunities for the locals.
New Indian Express
23-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Government plans to make AP a global tourism hub
VIJAYAWADA: In a significant move aimed at bolstering the tourism sector, the State government has unveiled ambitious plans to transform Andhra Pradesh into India's premier tourism destination within the next five years. Disclosing the grand plans at the Manthena Heritage Home Stay in Kopalle of West Godavari district on Thursday, Special Chief Secretary for Tourism and Housing, Ajay Jain, presented the government's comprehensive strategy to position Andhra Pradesh as a global tourism hub. Ajay Jain highlighted the government's commitment to this vision, emphasising that tourism has been granted industrial status to attract private investment and enhance infrastructure. 'The future belongs to tourism, and Andhra Pradesh will live by the age-old ethos of Atithi Devo Bhava (Guest is God),' he remarked. Furthermore, The government has introduced a new tourism policy offering incentives and subsidies to investors. Andhra Pradesh is the 12th State in India to confer industry status on tourism. As many as 27 major hotels have commenced operations, creating employment for nearly 18,000 people across the State so far. Highlighting the home stay model for promoting rural tourism, the special chief secretary revealed that the State currently has 1,842 home stay units with 561 in Tirupati alone. These accommodations provide tourists with an authentic cultural experience, featuring village life, agriculture, and local crafts, he added. He also announced that the government training programmes for women under the auspices of SERP and MEPMA for pilot tourism projects in Dindi and Araku, aiming to increase community participation. He listed AP's diverse offerings—from spiritual landmarks like Tirumala and Srisailam to natural attractions such as Araku Valley, Horsley Hills, and Papi Kondalu. With the country's third-longest coastline, the State government is developing beaches, including Rushikonda (a Blue Flag beach), Suryalanka, Maipadu, and Ramapuram to meet international eco-standards. Plans are underway to establish integrated tourism circuits focusing on temple, eco, adventure, wellness, and agri-tourism.
The Hindu
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Land, incentives approved to firms investing in hotels and resorts in A.P.
Based on the recommendations of the State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB), the government has given its nod for grant of incentives to Bengaluru-based Shravanthi Hotels and Resorts for development of Ibis Styles 3-star and Novotel 5-star Cluster Hotel at Tirupati, as per the provisions of Andhra Pradesh Tourism Policy 2024-2029. The government also allotted 12.7 acres of land in S.V. Puram, Vadamalapeta, Tirupati, and granted incentives to Odisha-based Bengal Ultimate Resorts LLP for development of 5-star resorts, as per the provisions of the Tourism Policy. Orders signed by the Special Chief Secretary, Tourism, Ajay Jain, were released to this effect on Thursday.
The Hindu
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Govt. committed to making A.P. top tourist destination in India, says official
Recognising tourism as a growth engine, the State government is going the extra mile to transform Andhra Pradesh into the top tourist destination in the country within the next five years, said Special Chief Secretary, Tourism and Housing Ajay Jain. Speaking to the media at Bhimavaram in West Godavari district on Thursday (May 22), he said tourism sector was accorded industry status and several major projects were being rolled out to change the face of Andhra Pradesh landscape. Andhra Pradesh was the 12th State in the country to grant industry status to tourism to provide subsidies, incentives and infrastructure support and attract investors, he added. Homestays He said aligning its vision with the ancient Indian adage 'Atithi Devo Bhava' (Guest is God), special focus was laid on homestays. Currently, 1,842 homestay units are operating across the State, with 561 in Tirupati alone, he said, adding that the homestay model was being promoted to offer tourists authentic experiences rooted in rural culture, agriculture practices and local crafts. He said the Manthena Heritage in West Godavari was a model homestay that reflected this spirit. He said training programmes were being conducted for pilot tourist projects in Dindi and Araku, in partnership with women-led organisations like the Society for Eradication of Rural Poverty (SERP) and Mission for Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Areas (MEPMA). Speaking about infrastructure and investments, he said 27 major hotels had already begun construction, which would create nearly 18,000 jobs. Other projects included a floating restaurant on the Krishna river, development of Berm Park in Vijayawada, luxury houseboats in Konaseema's backwaters, a theme park and a water park on Bhavani Island and a cable bridge between Polavaram and Pattiseema. He said land allotments for investments under ₹50 crore would be made via competitive bidding. Tourism circuits Mr. Jain said the State was developing circuits around temple tourism, eco-tourism, adventure tourism and wellness and agri-tourism. He said key destinations would be developed at spiritual sites like Tirumala, Srikalahasti, Srisailam, Kanipakam, Simhachalam, Antarvedi, Vijayawada's Kanaka Durga temple and Puttaparthi, nature tourism at Araku Valley, Borra Caves, Papikondalu, Horsely Hills, Kolleru Lake and Pulicat Lake and historical sites like Amaravati Stupa and the Dowleswaram Barrage. Pointing to the fact that Andhra Pradesh had the third longest coastline in India, Mr. Jain said the government was working to achieve Blue Flag certification for beaches at Kakinada, Suryalanka, Mypadu and Ramapuram.
Hans India
17-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Star hotels to boost tourism
Vizianagaram: Special Chief Secretary for Tourism, Ajay Jain, stated that the upcoming airport is expected to attract a significant influx of tourists, which necessitates the establishment of hotels and resorts to accommodate them. As part of his visit to Bhogapuram mandal on Friday, Ajay Jain, accompanied by District Collector Dr BR Ambedkar, inspected several under-construction hotels and resorts in the area. Speaking to the media, Jain highlighted the crucial role hotel infrastructure plays in the overall development of the tourism sector. At Reddikancheru in Bhogapuram mandal, he reviewed the plans for a beach resort being developed by Sunray-Avani Group at an investment of Rs. 100 crore. He also inspected the proposed convention center by the same group at Kavulavada, which is expected to accommodate around 3,000 people and generate employment for 300 individuals. The group also showcased their existing beach resort and golf course to the official. Ajay Jain suggested that proposals be sent to allocate 3.6 acres of government land at Savaravalli to support the construction of a three-star hotel as part of the Sunray Resorts expansion. The Special Chief Secretary also visited the construction site of a five-star hotel by Mayfair Group at Annavaram in Bheemunipatnam mandal. He discussed land allotment issues with Bheemunipatnam RDO Sangeet Madhur and reviewed road connectivity to the hotel, which is being developed with an investment of Rs. 40 crore. Jain visited another five-star hotel being constructed by the Oberoi Group at Annavaram. He inquired about the challenges faced during construction. In Vizianagaram town, the official recommended submitting proposals to build a star hotel on land owned by the Roads and Buildings Department. Later Ajay Jain also inspected the construction of the Bhogapuram International Airport along with the district collector. He noted that the work is progressing at a rapid pace and is expected to be completed ahead of schedule.
