A file picture of Revanth Reddy.
The State government is set to unveil a comprehensive policy aimed at revolutionizing the tourism sector, emphasizing efforts to maximize the State’s tourist potential.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has instructed officials to analyze successful tourism practices in other States that align with local needs, prior to finalizing the new tourism policy. In a detailed review meeting conducted on Friday, the Chief Minister evaluated the SMART, PROACTIVE, EFFICIENT, and EFFECTIVE Delivery of Services (SPEED) initiative.
The meeting resulted in plans to create distinct policies dedicated to promoting temple, eco, and health tourism. Key initiatives will target improvements in amenities at famous temples and historical sites, while also highlighting forested areas and locales ideal for health tourism, aiming to attract visitors both locally and nationally.
To enhance accessibility, officials were tasked with improving connectivity to these destinations and providing necessary accommodations to attract tourists. Plans for developing new tourism packages were also emphasized.
The Chief Minister urged officials to explore the possibility of introducing safaris in the Kawal and Amrabad forest reserves and to establish night accommodations in the form of cottages within these natural areas. Tourism, Endowments, and Forest department officials have been directed to identify and prioritize tourism potential across the State.
Mr. Revanth Reddy stressed the importance of maintaining facilities established by the government, asserting that quality construction of tourist accommodations, like Harita Hotels and guesthouses, is essential. Regular maintenance and infrastructure development through public-private partnerships were highlighted as key strategies for attracting tourists.
New Zoological Park Outside Hyderabad
The meeting also outlined plans for a new Zoo Park to be constructed over 1,000 acres outside Hyderabad. This facility will accommodate a variety of animal and bird species while focusing on urban forestry. The Chief Minister drew inspiration from the Vantara wildlife protection center established by Ananth Ambani, advocating for industry and individual participation in this initiative.
In addition, the natural landscape of Anantagiri, a 200-acre government-owned area, is set to be leveraged for health tourism, with plans to establish a wellness institute modeled after the Jindal Nature Cure Institute in Bengaluru. Discussions with Jindal authorities will aim to attract reputable international agencies in nature cure to operate within this new institution.
Mr. Revanth Reddy also proposed the reconstruction of the Sri Ramalingeshwaraswamy temple in Keesara to reflect the style of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ramappa Temple in the Mulugu district. Furthermore, he instructed officials to prioritize the promotion of health tourism in a proposed Health City to be developed over 1,000 acres at Mucherla’s net-zero initiative, offering incentives to businesses looking to invest in the health sector.
