The South Indian Hotels and Restaurants Association (SIHRA) President, K Syama Raju, has emphasized the tourism potential of Andhra Pradesh and called for increased government support in the sector. He proposed that the government focus on providing better connectivity to other destinations from Andhra Pradesh, particularly from Vizag, which features a beautiful coastal corridor. Raju also highlighted the need for single window clearances to encourage the establishment of more hotels in the state’s hospitality sector.
Speaking at a media interaction in Visakhapatnam, Raju stated that while the AP government has made efforts to attract tourists, more encouragement is required for the tourism sector to flourish. He urged the government to promote Andhra Pradesh’s tourism destinations across India and create a streamlined clearance process for obtaining necessary permissions from relevant departments.
The president of the Andhra Pradesh Hotel Association, RV Swamy, added that they have requested the state government to extend business hours in the night until 2 pm. The chief of the state’s police department agreed to consider the request. Currently, hotels are allowed to open until midnight, but due to various reasons, this regulation is not consistently enforced. Swamy expressed hope that the government will take the necessary steps to attract more tourists.
The biannual SIHRA convention, taking place over three days, serves as a platform to discuss industry challenges, industry-friendly policies, and streamlined clearance procedures. Participants, including hospitality professionals, international brand representatives, suppliers, manufacturers, catering institutions, and students from Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry, will have the opportunity to network and explore avenues for enhancing revenues through the promotion of destinations and tourism products.
The convention will feature business sessions covering various topics relevant to the hospitality industry in southern states, as well as investment opportunities. More than 800 representatives, including tourism ministers and higher officials from all states, are expected to attend the event.
Convention Chairman Balakrishna Reddy, Telangana Hotels Association President Venkat Reddy, and Karnataka Hotels Association President GK Shetty are among the notable participants.
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