The Andhra Pradesh Government is poised to enhance investments in the tourism sector through new land allotment guidelines designed to streamline and accelerate the business process.
The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Land Allotment Policy for 2024-2029 aims to optimize the use of government land for infrastructure development and to create a variety of tourism experiences, as highlighted by a senior official speaking to BusinessLine.
The policy’s key objectives include improving service delivery, unlocking the state’s tourism potential, fostering sustainable public-private partnerships (PPPs), attracting investments, supporting local communities, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing the overall appeal of the state as a tourist destination.
Under the new policy, land allocations will range from one acre to 150 acres, depending on the type of investment and the tourism ventures to be established. For facilities like wayside amenities, multiplexes, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) centers, allocations of one to ten acres will be available. Conversely, larger projects such as resorts, theme parks, golf courses, and mega tourism parks can receive land allocations between ten and 150 acres, according to the official.
Moreover, the state government has the flexibility to allocate land beyond the specified limits for tourism projects, taking into account factors such as innovation and overall growth, as assessed by the State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB). Additionally, amendments to government orders can facilitate land allotment for 3-star and above hotel chains based on the project’s merits, tourism prospects, and employment potential.
The definition of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) will adhere to the guidelines specified by the Ministry of MSME of the Government of India, which may be updated periodically to account for smaller investments.
The new policy also permits the formation of a consortium of up to three members for substantial, mega, and ultra-mega tourism initiatives, while joint ventures and other models for mega tourism or 5-star projects will require SIPB approval. For projects classified as MSMEs, consortiums are restricted to two members.
