Minister for Tourism Kandula Durgesh, Volksy Technologies founder and chairman Murali Bukkapatnam and Westin College director K. Durga Prasad at the Coffee and Conversation event at a hotel in Vijayawada on Thursday.
| Photo Credit: G.N. RAO

The government is encouraging private partners under public-private-partnernship model for the common goal of developing the Tourism sector in Andhra Pradesh, said Minister for Tourism and Cinematography Kandula Durgesh.

Participating as chief guest at the Coffee and Conversation event organised by Westin College at a hotel in Vijayawada on Thursday, the Minister and Volksy Technologies founder and chairman Murali Bukkapatnam answered several questions from students.

In one of his answers, the Minister said the government is focusing on developing all aspects of tourism, including eco tourism, adventure tourism, religious tourism and cultural tourism.

“The State has an immense potential to become a tourist hub. It is blessed with a coastal line, historic sites, religious centres. Whether it is Konaseema or Tirupati, every place has something to offer for a tourist. But, sadly, its potential remained untapped,” the Minister said, adding that the government would provide capital incentives, open a single-window system for entrepreneurs in the tourism sector to speed up the approval process.

The government is also planning a meeting with film producers to discuss ways to set up studios and dubbing theatres in the State, he said.

Mr. Murali Bukkapatnam, who was elected by The IndUS Entrepreneurs (TiE) Global as the chair of its global board of trustees for 2025, talked about his struggles, setbacks and successes. He encouraged the students, over 400, to work hard, think creatively. He shared insights about what it takes to be a good entrepreneur.

Westin College director K. Durga Prasad, principal P. Chandrasekhar, faculty members, entrepreneurs and students were present in the event.