The Chief Minister attracted hospitality investments at the Davos WEF meeting.
VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday discussed investment opportunities in the state’s rapidly growing hospitality and tourism sector with Srishti Shibulal, CEO of Tamara Leisure Experiences.
The discussion took place during the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Declaring that Andhra Pradesh is “open for tourism investment,” Naidu presented the state as a prime destination for hospitality and tourism projects, citing comprehensive policy support, robust connectivity, and vast untapped potential across all sectors.
The Chief Minister interacted with several global investors on the third day of the WEF meeting.
Naidu said the government has accorded industry status to tourism projects to accelerate investment and streamline approvals. He added that tourism has the potential to transform both the national and state economies by generating large-scale employment, especially for local communities.
Showcasing Andhra Pradesh’s natural beauty and diverse destinations, the Chief Minister said there is immense potential to develop world-class tourism hubs along the Godavari River from Polavaram to Bhadrachalam. He also highlighted opportunities in iconic locations such as Konaseema, Gandikota, Araku Valley, and Lambasingi.
Emphasizing infrastructure readiness, Naidu said all major tourist destinations are now well-connected by roads and airports, making Andhra Pradesh investor-ready. He added that from North Andhra to Rayalaseema, every district has unique tourism assets, and the government is providing special incentives to the hotel and hospitality sector.
He assured full support to investors who come forward with concrete proposals. Minister T.G. Bharath was also present.
Representatives from Tamara Leisure expressed keen interest in setting up eco-tourism parks in tribal areas and launching homestay projects in Visakhapatnam and other locations. He also expressed his desire to train tribal youth under a “community-first” approach, focusing on skill development and sustainable livelihoods.
Separately, at the WEF, the founders of Calibo AI Academy, led by Executive Chairman Raj Vattikuti, met with the Chief Minister. The company’s CEO, Scott Sandschafer, was also present.
The Calibo team informed Naidu that, in partnership with the Vattikuti Foundation, the Academy had already launched AI skills training for youth at a private university in Amaravati. Welcoming this initiative, the CM proposed expanding such programs by partnering with other universities across the state.
The Chief Minister invited Calibo AI to establish a Center of Excellence in the IT SEZ in Visakhapatnam, particularly in the Madhurawada area, to strengthen the state’s AI and technology ecosystem.
