Rajamahendravaram: In a significant move aimed at expanding the tourism sector at the national and international levels, the State Tourism Department has entered into a memorandum of understandingwith the Indian Association of Tour Operators. Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh said the agreement was signed in his presence as part of the government’s efforts to accelerate economic growth and create employment opportunities through tourism.

Speaking to the media, the minister said that the 41st annual convention of the Indian Association of Tour Operators will be held in Visakhapatnam from September 10 to 12. He said the prestigious event would bring together leading figures from the tourism industry and international delegates from across the world, giving Andhra Pradesh a distinct identity on the global tourism map.

Durgesh said that Andhra Pradesh’s beaches, spiritual destinations, scenic landscapes and heritage sites would gain wider recognition through the event. “The agreement is expected to significantly increase the inflow of foreign tourists to the State,” he said. According to the minister, nearly 1,000 international tourism representatives are expected to participate in the convention scheduled for September. In a bid to encourage local tour operators, IATO has offered a 50 per cent concession on membership registration fees and waived the joining fee of Rs 10,000 entirely. Highlighting the State’s growing appeal among investors, Durgesh said Andhra Pradesh had already succeeded in attracting investments worth more than Rs 20,000 crore in the tourism sector. He observed that the government’s proactive approach and the increasingconfidence among investors were paving the way for major tourism projects across the State .