A.P.’s Gandikota wins ‘Most Promising New Destination’ award at BLTM 2025.

Andhra Pradesh Tourism won the ‘Most Promising New Destination’ award for Gandikota at the Business Leisure Travel and MICE (BLTM) 2025. Chief Marketing Officer and Communication Officer of Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority (APTA) Padma Rani Seela received the award presented at the BLTM 2025 programme held in New Delhi on Saturday (September 13).

A statement released on Saturday said the Tourism Department showcased its diverse destinations, including heritage sites, pristine beaches, rural tourism experiences and eco-tourism initiatives, at the event held from September 11 to 13 at Yashobhoomi, India International Convention Centre (IICC). Gandikota, known as “India’s Grand Canyon,” nestled on the bank of the Penna river in Kadapa district, received the award in the ‘Responsible Tourism Awards’ category, supported by ICRT and the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. This recognition is expected to boost Gandikota’s appeal to adventure-seeking tourists.

During BLTM 2025, Andhra Pradesh Tourism representatives participated in B2B speed networking sessions, building relationships with corporate buyers, MICE planners, tour operators, destination management companies (DMCs), hospitality brands and international tourism boards from countries like Sri Lanka, Israel, and St. Petersburg.

The government aims to develop world-class MICE facilities in destinations like Visakhapatnam, Gandikota and Suryalanka Beach by promoting conferences, corporate events and incentive packages to become a leader in the MICE tourism segment.

The BLTM event, focusing on business and MICE tourism in India, featured over 500 exhibitors and 15,000 pre-qualified buyers, showcasing Andhra Pradesh’s tourism potential to a global audience, said the statement.