APTDC to develop eight beach resorts in state

HYDERABAD: The upgraded official website of the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) - www.aptdc.gov.in - was formally launched by special chief secretary (YAT&CD) and chairman and managing director of APTDC Chandana Khan here on Wednesday.

Developed by Future e-Learning Resource Pvt Ltd for the corporation, the website is more dynamic and user-friendly.

However, the most interesting aspect of the new website is its integration with social media. Considering the wider utilisation of social media by the present generation and increasing number of instances of online booking through mobile phones, the new website integrates all those, so as to reach more people and widen its customer base.

Describing the website as the window to what state has to offer on the tourism front, Chandana Khan said it was part of the aggressive tourism marketing initiative taken up by the corporation to promote tourism in the state. She said the website gives detailed information about the place, accommodation and tour packages etc.

Speaking about the expansion plans of the corporation, she said they are palnning to develop new beach resorts at seven places - Baruva and Kalingapatnam in Srikakulam district, Chintapally in Vizianagaram district, Kakinada in East Godavari, Perupalem in West Godavari, Ramayapatnam in Prakasam district, Tummalapenta and Kotta Kudur in Nellore district.

The beach resort at Maypadu in Nellore district has been opened recently, she added. 'We are also concentrating on restoration of old heritage sites. Given the increasing demand for water-related activities, we are enhancing our water fleet and at the same time augmenting our transport fleet,' Chandana Khan said.

She said the tourism department in the state has no dearth of funds as the state government had allocated adequate budget compared to last year.

Asked about the recent strike by the contract employees, the APTDC chief said theirs being a commercial organisation have to think about being economic stability.

'We cannot run on losses. Secondly, we have to follow the state government's recruitment policy. In fact we are paying good salaries and wages to the staff when compared to any other tourism organisations,'' she said enthusiastically.

AI Launches Holiday Package Scheme

Hyderabad: To facilitate a hassle-free journey and an easy holiday package, Air India has re-launched its 'Air India Holiday' scheme. What makes travel easy through this package is that it includes return tickets, all ground arrangements like hotel stay, food, airport transfers and local sight-seeing.

The travel itinerary comprises of 21 destinations which include popular places like Kashmir, Port Blair, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kochi, Leh and other places. For further details logon to the website 'holidaypackages.airindia.in'. The purchase of tickets for packages can be affected through a travel agent or Air India office only.