O. Naresh Kumar, chairman of the Tours and Travels Association of AP, and President K. Vijay Mohan met with Union Tourism Minister Shri Kishen Reddy at Visakhapatnam Airport at 1.30 p.m. today and made a representation regarding the necessary support for tourism promotion in the state.

The presentation included a request to consider developing and promoting the two neglected Shakti Peethas at Draksharma and Pithapuram in the East Godavari district of AP, which are among the 18 most important Shakti Peethas in India, and a request to consider the development of the oldest Sun Temple in India, which is located in Arasavalli, Srikakulam, as well as the Sri Kurmam Temple, which is Lord Vishnu's tortoise avatar.

The Tours and Travels Association of Andhra Pradesh has also requested Rs 100 crore to develop the four temples, each with a Rs 25 crore outlay, with all pilgrim amenities and an enhanced divine experience.
Travelers are currently charged a TCS of 5%, which has a significant impact on cash flow during a recession, so a request was made to reduce it to 1% by taking this concern with the finance minister, as it would make travel more affordable and easier to promote tourism during difficult times.

At least two new high-speed trains between Visakhapatnam and Varanasi and Visakhapatnam and Tirupati have been requested, as they will greatly improve travel quality and effectively promote tourism. The Union Minister was also asked to help with the approval of a full Vista Dome coach train to Araku. A budget for a light and sound show similar to Singapore's light shows at Sentosa Island was also requested, as well as a small budget to develop the beaches for international tourists.

Union Minister of Tourism Kishen Reddy assured his full support for developing tourism in this area and stated that he has launched an initiative to develop Simhachalam and Annavaram Devasthanams. He stated that he would request additional coaches for the Araku train as soon as possible.