AP named best tourism promotion state at GTM Expo

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh has been selected as the “best tourism promotion state” by the organisers of the Global Travel Market (GTM) Expo 2026, one of South India’s largest travel and trade exhibitions, bringing national recognition to the state’s tourism sector. Tourism minister Kandula Durgesh will undertake a three-day visit to Kerala from June 3 to 5 to participate in the expo and receive the prestigious Metro Expedition–GTM Tourism Award 2026 on behalf of Andhra Pradesh.

According to an official release issued by the minister’s office on Tuesday, Durgesh will attend the inaugural session of GTM Expo 2026 to be held at Thiruvananthapuram on June 3. Subsequently, he will participate in various sessions of the expo at the Golden Palace Convention Centre in Thiruvananthapuram on June 4. Later in the day, he will receive the award during the GTM Awards 2026 ceremony in the presence of tourism and hospitality industry leaders from India and abroad.

Attributing the recognition to the state government’s tourism reforms, including the new Andhra Pradesh Tourism Policy 2024-29, the grant of industrial status to the tourism sector, and initiatives aimed at promoting “brand AP” on national and international platforms, Durgesh said tourism festivals organised across districts and innovative digital campaigns had helped enhance AP’s visibility among domestic and international travellers.

Describing the award as a milestone for the state’s tourism landscape, Durgesh said it marked the beginning of a new phase in AP’s efforts to emerge as a globally recognised tourism destination. He expressed confidence that participation in the expo would attract greater investments and boost tourist inflows into the state.