Andhra Pradesh Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh receiving an award at the International Wedding and Tourism Conclave in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

Andhra Pradesh Tourism has bagged the ‘Best Wedding Destination Emerging State Award’, in recognition of the State government’s special initiatives to develop Andhra Pradesh as a premier hub for destination weddings and promote the wedding tourism sector.

Minister for Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Kandula Durgesh received the award at the International Wedding and Tourism Conclave (IWTC) being held in Jaipur, Rajasthan, on Monday night.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Durgesh said the award reflected the Andhra Pradesh government’s sustained efforts to strengthen the tourism sector under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan, with the support of the Central government.

Mr. Durgesh said the government was committed to making Andhra Pradesh the preferred venue for both domestic and international weddings. He expressed confidence that with its picturesque locations and exceptional hospitality, the State would soon become a leading destination for wedding tourism.

The Minister also noted that Andhra Pradesh had recently received the ‘Best Tourism Promotion State Award’ at the Global Travel Market held in Kerala, and that Araku was honoured with the ‘Most Instagrammable Landscape Award’ in the Editors’ Choice category by the Indian Routes in Goa. Receiving yet another award, he said, was a matter of great pride for the State, and thanked the organisers for the recognition.

Mr. Pawan Kalyan, meanwhile, congratulated the Chief Minister, the Minister for Tourism and other stakeholders associated with the achievement.

“This award reflects the tourism potential of our State and is a testament to the government’s vision and commitment towards promoting Andhra Pradesh as a premier tourism destination,” he posted on X, adding that with its breathtaking beaches, natural beauty, spiritual centres, rich cultural heritage and hospitality, Andhra Pradesh has emerged as an attractive destination for both domestic and international tourists, earning this recognition as a wedding destination.

Mr. Pawan Kalyan expressed hope that this recognition would further accelerate the development of tourism in Andhra Pradesh and strengthen the State’s position on the global tourism map.

Published - July 21, 2026 08:56 pm IST