At the Global Travel Market (GTM) 2026 held in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh was awarded the title of 'Best Tourism Promotion State.' The award was presented to the state's Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Minister, Kandula Durgesh, who attributed the honor to the collaborative efforts of the people, government, and tourism stakeholders in Andhra Pradesh. He emphasized the state's progressive Tourism Policy for 2024-29, which includes investor-friendly incentives and the establishment of seven anchor tourism hubs along with over 25 thematic tourism circuits. With a vision to transform Andhra Pradesh into a premier global tourism destination by 2047, Durgesh highlighted the state's impressive tourism statistics, including 364.2 million tourist visits in 2025-26 and a significant 48% rise in international arrivals. The event also featured a showcase of the state's diverse tourism offerings, such as spiritual, adventure, and culinary tourism. Additionally, it was announced that the next GTM in 2027 will take place in Andhra Pradesh, aligning with World Tourism Day, further solidifying the state's commitment to enhancing its tourism sector.