Tourism Minister Durgesh meets Kapil Dev, explores golf tourism potential in Andhra Pradesh
Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh met legendary Indian cricketer and president of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) Kapil Dev in New Delhi on Saturday
Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh met legendary Indian cricketer and president of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) Kapil Dev in New Delhi on Saturday to explore the development of golf tourism in Andhra Pradesh. They discussed the vast potential of golf tourism in the State, particularly in Visakhapatnam and Amaravati, and examined the opportunities to develop world-class golf destinations capable of attracting both domestic and international visitors, a statement issued here said. Durgesh invited Mr. Kapil Dev to visit Andhra Pradesh for a field assessment of the proposed locations and provide expert guidance on developing golf infrastructure and tourism circuits.
The Minister said the State government aimed at positioning Andhra Pradesh as a premier golf tourism destination, attracting high-value international tourists, while further diversifying the State’s tourism offerings. Key economic driver Earlier, addressing the All India Chapter Chairpersons’ Meet-2026, organised by the Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI) in the national capital, Mr. Durgesh said Andhra Pradesh was emerging as one of India’s safest and most attractive destinations for tourism investments, with the government committed to making tourism a key driver of economic growth. He invited domestic tour operators to partner with the State, and assured them of a transparent, investor-friendly ecosystem, policy incentives and speedy approvals through a single-window clearance system.
He said the focus was on developing Visakhapatnam, Araku Valley, Rajamahendravaram, Amaravati, Srisailam, Gandikota and Tirupati as major tourism hubs, and highlighted the State’s diverse tourism offerings, including spiritual, coastal, eco-tourism, Buddhist heritage and rural tourism. Describing tour operators as the real ambassadors of tourism, the Minister said they played a vital role in transforming destinations into memorable travel experiences. He urged ADTOI members to promote Andhra Pradesh through innovative travel circuits, curated tourism packages, familiarisation tours, digital campaigns and feedback-driven service improvements. Durgesh emphasised that tourism should generate livelihoods for local communities, including guides, transport operators, homestay owners, artisans and women’s self-help groups, while preserving the environment and promoting local culture.
He also called for incorporating the State’s unique attractions and products, including Kalamkari, Kondapalli and Etikoppaka toys, Uppada and Dharmavaram handlooms, and Araku Coffee, into tourism packages to offer visitors an immersive cultural experience. The meeting was attended by Tourism Special Chief Secretary Ajay Jain, ADTOI national president Ved Khanna, and tourism and hospitality stakeholders from across the country.
The BriefWire