AP to be developed as culinary tourism destination

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department signed a memorandum of understanding with the Indian Culinary Institute (ICI) in Tirupati, aimed at developing the state as a culinary tourism destination. The MoU was signed in the presence of chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu. Special chief secretary (tourism) Ajay Jain and ICI representatives exchanged the agreement documents during the event held in Amaravati, under which ICI will work with the tourism department to promote Telugu cuisine, regional food traditions, and culinary heritage at national and international platforms. The initiative is expected to support efforts to position Andhra Pradesh as a hub for culinary tourism.The MoU also envisages skill development in the culinary sector, creation of employment and job opportunities, and institutional support for food festivals and tourism events conducted by the AP Tourism Authority. Tourism minister Kandula Durgesh, AP Tourism Corporation chairman Nukasani Balaji, and representatives of AP Hotels Association were also present.