Kakinada: Tourism minister Kandula Durgesh on Monday said the establishment of wellness centres at tourism destinations would strengthen Andhra Pradesh’s tourism sector.
The government, he said, is planning to set up such facilities in a phased manner ahead of Godavari Pushkaralu-2027.
Participating in the Yogandhra-2026 programme organised at the Central Jail in Rajamahendravaram, the minister said the proposal was inspired by Kerala’s success in promoting tourism through yoga and Ayurveda.
Durgesh said he had personally observed the impact of wellness centres while receiving the Best Tourism Promotion State award that was recently conferred on Kerala. He noted that the state had achieved significant growth in tourism by attracting large numbers of foreign visitors through wellness-based initiatives.
The minister said the AP government is formulating plans to establish international-standard wellness centres along the state’s 1,058-km coastline and at major tourism destinations.
Addressing the gathering, Durgesh described yoga as a valuable gift of Indian culture and called upon the people to work towards the CM’s vision of a healthy, wealthy and happy Andhra Pradesh.
Yoga, Durgesh said, is not merely a form of exercise but a holistic way of life that promotes physical fitness, mental well-being, discipline and self-confidence. Yoga has gained global recognition as an effective means of addressing rising stress and anxiety levels.
District collector Keerthi Chekuri expressed satisfaction over the launch of the Yogandhra-2026 programme in the district. She said yoga and meditation helped individuals achieve self-discipline and inner balance and these two should be integrated into daily life rather than viewed solely as physical exercise.
Joint-collector Megha Swaroop said prisoners with expertise in yoga would be encouraged to participate in competitions at various levels.
Rajamahendravaram municipal commissioner Rahul Meena and central jail superintendent S Rahul were among those present.
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