Andhra Pradesh has put technology at the heart of tourism, says Minister Kandula Durgesh

Andhra Pradesh is taking a major step towards transforming the tourism sector through artificial intelligence and digital technology, Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh said at the international Tourism Innovation Summit-2026 in Seville, Spain on Wednesday.

NiVU AI

Addressing the summit at the Seville-FIBES venue, the Minister unveiled NiVU AI (Neural Intelligence Vernacular Unified Model), developed by Explurger, as part of the State’s efforts to build smart tourism destinations.

Under an agreement between the Andhra Pradesh government and Explurger, AI-powered services will be introduced at more than 100 major tourist and pilgrimage destinations.

Tourists will be able to scan an “ASK AI” QR code to access information about a destination in more than 130 languages, without downloading an app or paying any charges, Mr. Durgesh said, adding that the initiative had already been implemented at Sri Panakala Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Mangalagiri, with the first phase covering 30 major destinations.

Describing Andhra Pradesh as a unique blend of spirituality, heritage, nature and culture, Mr. Durgesh said the State offered an extraordinary journey, from the Tirumala hills and ancient Buddhist heritage of Amaravati to the landscapes of Gandikota, the forests of Maredumilli, the Araku Valley and the beaches of Visakhapatnam.

The Minister said technology would enable international visitors to interact with AI in their preferred language, understand the history and cultural significance of sites, and discover nearby attractions. It would also provide real-time analytics on tourist preferences, languages and behaviour, helping the State plan future tourism initiatives.

Mr. Durgesh said innovation in tourism should go beyond technology and focus on improving visitor experiences, supporting local employment and promoting responsible tourism. He invited travel-tech companies, startups, universities, investors and tourism operators to partner with Andhra Pradesh.

“Don’t come to Andhra Pradesh merely as tourists; come as partners,” he told global tourism stakeholders, inviting investment in AI-based tourism services, digital tools and smart destination management.

“If you think you have already seen India, come to Andhra Pradesh once. We will certainly surprise you,” he said.