Durgesh To Pitch State As Investment Destination In Spain

VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Pradesh tourism minister Kandula Durgesh is on a visit to Spain from October 6 to 8 to showcase the state’s tourism potential and attract international investment in the sector. The minister, who has already reached Spain, will participate in the Tourism Innovation Summit-2026 at FIBES in Seville.

The summit will bring together tourism experts, government representatives, destination management organisations and hospitality industry leaders from across the world.

Durgesh is scheduled to participate in discussions on innovation, advanced technologies and sustainable tourism. He will highlight Andhra Pradesh’s tourism resources and opportunities for development and investment and invite international entrepreneurs to explore projects in the State.

The minister and his team will make a presentation on Andhra Pradesh tourism and participate in meetings, panel discussions, keynote sessions, networking programmes and business-to-business meetings aimed at giving the State’s tourism sector greater global visibility.

The discussions will cover digital innovation, smart destinations, sustainable and responsible tourism, tourism investment and finance, destination marketing and visitor experience. Aviation, mobility and connectivity will also be among the areas of discussion.

The visit comes against the backdrop of the government’s efforts to position tourism as a major driver of economic activity. According to the tourism department, investments worth around ₹20,000 crore have been attracted to the sector in the past two years, while tourism has also been accorded industrial status.

The department said investors had shown interest in the State’s Tourism Policy 2024-29. The Spain visit is aimed at highlighting the policy and opportunities for international investment.

The minister’s programme is also aimed at exploring global practices in digital tourism and smart destinations and adapting relevant innovations for tourism in Andhra Pradesh.