Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to develop home stays in temple towns to meet international standards, so as to enhance facilities for pilgrims and promote temple tourism across the state.
In an official release on September 3, Naidu stated, “Home stays in temple towns should be developed with global standards to enhance pilgrim convenience and strengthen temple tourism.” The move is expected to boost tourism in the state, particularly in regions known for their religious significance such as Tirupati, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Amaravati, Anantapur, Kurnool, and the proposed Konaseema region.
The Chief Minister also emphasized the need to organize major cultural and tourism events in these cities. This initiative aims to not only attract domestic tourists but also Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) who can contribute significantly to regional development through tourism.
The development of international-standard home stays is expected to provide comfortable accommodations for pilgrims visiting the temples, thus improving their overall experience and encouraging more visitors. The proposed Konaseema region, known for its picturesque landscapes and rich biodiversity, could particularly benefit from such initiatives, making it an attractive destination for tourists.
Stakeholders in the tourism industry have welcomed this move, expressing optimism that it will help rejuvenate temple tourism in Andhra Pradesh. They believe that with improved facilities and cultural events, the state can attract a larger number of tourists, thereby boosting its economy.
As the development plans are set into motion, stakeholders and residents alike await the transformative impact these initiatives will have on their cities and the state as a whole. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
