Sri Sathya Sai District Collector A. Shyam Prasad on Wednesday said that the administration was focusing on strengthening tourism infrastructure and making optimal use of the tourism potential across the district to attract more visitors.

Chairing the District Tourism Council meeting at the Collectorate here, Mr. Shyam Prasad reviewed the ongoing tourism promotion programmes and infrastructure plans for important tourist destinations.

The Collector directed the officials to take up painting and maintenance works immediately at the Haritha Hotel in Lepakshi and to ensure proper upkeep of rooms and other facilities. He highlighted the need to maintain cleanliness and improve amenities for tourists visiting the historic destination.

Mr. Shyam Prasad also informed the officials to identify unused properties of the Tourism Department and explore leasing them out to improve revenue and create employment opportunities for local youth.

In order to promote the district’s cultural identity, the Collector proposed organising a large-scale food festival and cultural events at Penukonda in association with the “Nivedita Team.” The events are expected to showcase local cuisine, folk arts, and traditional music, besides drawing tourists from neighbouring States.

Private investors and tourism entrepreneurs also submitted proposals for resorts and eco-tourism projects in different parts of the district.