Andhra Pradesh Minister Unveils NiVU AI for Tourism Across Over 100 Destinations

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

Andhra Pradesh’s plan to build smart tourism destinations moved forward with the unveiling of NiVU AI at the international Tourism Innovation Summit-2026 in Seville, Spain.

Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh unveiled NiVU AI, or Neural Intelligence Vernacular Unified Model, at the Seville-FIBES venue on Wednesday.

The system was developed by Explurger as part of Andhra Pradesh’s efforts to use artificial intelligence and digital technology to transform its tourism sector.

AI services planned for more than 100 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.

The first phase covers 30 major destinations, and the initiative has already been implemented at Sri Panakala Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Mangalagiri.

Tourists will be able to scan an “ASK AI” QR code to access information about a destination in more than 130 languages.

The service will not require visitors to download an app or pay any charges, Mr. Durgesh said.

The proposed system is intended to make information about tourist and pilgrimage sites easier to access for visitors using different languages.

Focus on history, culture and nearby attractions

Mr. Durgesh described Andhra Pradesh as a unique blend of spirituality, heritage, nature and culture.

He said the State offered an extraordinary journey covering the Tirumala hills, the ancient Buddhist heritage of Amaravati, the landscapes of Gandikota, the forests of Maredumilli, the Araku Valley and the beaches of Visakhapatnam.

Technology, he said, would allow international visitors to interact with AI in their preferred language.

It would also help them understand the history and cultural significance of sites and discover nearby attractions.

This places the technology initiative within a wider effort to present the State’s varied tourism offerings through a single visitor-oriented system.

Data to guide future tourism planning

The system would provide real-time analytics on tourist preferences, languages and behaviour.

According to Mr. Durgesh, that information would help the State plan future tourism initiatives.

He said innovation in tourism should go beyond technology and focus on improving visitor experiences, supporting local employment and promoting responsible tourism.

The Minister invited travel-tech companies, startups, universities, investors and tourism operators to partner with Andhra Pradesh.

He also invited investment in AI-based tourism services, digital tools and smart destination management.

“Don’t come to Andhra Pradesh merely as tourists; come as partners,” he told global tourism stakeholders.

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

Source: The Hindu