Andhra Pradesh Minister for Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Kandula Durgesh on Wednesday held discussions with representatives of Eros Innovation on introducing advanced Artificial Intelligence–based cultural tourism initiatives in the State.

Participating in the 24th Indian Association of Amusement Parks and Industries Expo (IAAPI), at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mr. Durgesh said, in line with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s vision to position the State as a global hub of emerging technologies, the Tourism Department was exploring development of the world’s first ‘Large Cultural Models’ ecosystem, a specialised AI system designed to deeply understand and represent Indian culture, languages, mythology, traditions and storytelling heritage.

During the meeting, the Minister discussed how the “Cultural AI” ecosystem could be used to digitally transform the State’s tourism sector.

“By integrating advanced technologies such as immersive digital storytelling, visitors to ancient temples, heritage monuments and culturally significant locations in Andhra Pradesh will be able to experience history in a more engaging and interactive way,” he observed. Instead of merely visiting these sites, tourists would be able to participate in “immersive digital journeys” that narrate historical events, legends and cultural narratives through AI-powered platforms.

"The project aims to digitally showcase Andhra Pradesh’s rich heritage to a global audience, while simultaneously modernissing tourism infrastructure through technology,” said the Minister, expressing confidence that the collaboration would help position Andhra Pradesh as a global leader in immersive heritage tourism, combining culture, technology and tourism into a new economic opportunity.

Mr. Durgesh said the partnership would provide international platforms and new income opportunities for young artistes, storytellers, designers, filmmakers and digital creators from Andhra Pradesh. This, in turn, would contribute to the growth of the “Orange Economy,” which focuses on cultural and creative sectors as drivers of economic development, he explained.

The meeting concluded with an understanding that the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department and Eros Innovation would work together to explore technological partnerships that connect culture, digital innovation, and tourism, thereby creating new economic opportunities and promoting the State’s heritage on the global stage.

Senior representatives from Eros Innovation, including CEO of Eros Universe and Eros Now Vikram Tanna, Group Chief Marketing Officer Piyush Bhatia and CEO of Eros Wellness R&D Shilpa Desai attended the meeting.

From the government side, officials from the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority, including Deputy CEO A. Srinivas, Investments Head Satyaprabha, Marketing Manager Rafiq and senior consultant Shiva, participated in the discussions.