Andhra Pradesh wins national awards for tourism initiatives

Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh receives the ‘Excellence in Tourism Leadership’ award and the ‘Award of Merit – Outstanding Tourism State of India’ on behalf of Andhra Pradesh at the 69th Indian Travel Congress in Kolkata on Monday. Andhra Pradesh has received national recognition for its tourism initiatives, with Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh receiving the ‘Excellence in Tourism Leadership’ award and the State winning the ‘Award of Merit – Outstanding Tourism State of India’ at the 69th Indian Travel Congress.The awards were presented at the annual conference and exhibition organised by the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) in Kolkata as the association celebrates its 75th anniversary.Mr. Durgesh received the awards on behalf of himself and the State in recognition of his leadership in promoting tourism and the State’s initiatives to introduce reforms and boost the sector.Thanking the organisers for the recognition, Mr. Durgesh said tourism in Andhra Pradesh was making steady progress with the support of the Union government and under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan.The awards had strengthened the government’s resolve to develop Andhra Pradesh into an international tourism destination, he said, adding that efforts would be intensified to take the State’s tourism sector to the global stage.Inviting travel industry stakeholders to explore Andhra Pradesh’s diverse tourism offerings, Mr. Durgesh urged them to promote the State’s destinations and help showcase its tourism potential to the world.TAAI representatives appreciated his efforts to position Andhra Pradesh among the country’s leading tourism destinations. Published - October 27, 2026 06:48 pm IST