The Hindu Business Line : AP Tourism targets Rs 60-crore income

ENCOURAGED by a 49 per cent growth in its operational income last year, the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) is targeting an income of Rs 60.86 crore (Rs 46.76 crore) for the current fiscal.

To attract more tourists into the State, the corporation opened full-fledged marketing offices in Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore and Ahmedabad in the last few weeks.

The opening of AP Tourism's Reservation and Information Centres in these cities went largely unnoticed, thanks to the code of conduct during the polls.

``These offices will attend to all tourism needs of people of the respective States. Our staff will guide people in planning their tours. People can reserve tickets and hotel rooms,'' an APTDC official said.

``Besides, we are going to increase the number of authorised agents in those cities,'' he said.

The transport unit - the mainstay of the tourism department - which contributed more than 50 per cent to its income last year, is expected to play a major role this year too.

``We are hoping that the unit will contribute Rs 30.63 crore this year against Rs 24.78 crore during 2004-04,'' said the official.

The department's water fleet wing is expected to chip in Rs 4.96 crore (Rs 3.18 crore), while eco tourism will contribute Rs 3.58 crore (Rs 2.30 crore).

The sound and light shows will pool in Rs 55 lakh (Rs 47 lakh). With gross expenditure for the year expected to be around Rs 52 crore, the department hopes to settle comfortably with a net surplus of Rs 8.58 crore.

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