Andhra Pradesh & Da Nang Sign MoU to Boost Buddhist, Eco and Heritage Tourism

In a major milestone for international tourism collaboration, the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Forum (APTF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Da Nang Tourism Association (DTA) of Vietnam. The landmark agreement aims to foster stronger ties between India and Vietnam through the promotion of Buddhist heritage, eco-tourism, and cultural exchange.

 

This partnership holds immense promise for both regions — Andhra Pradesh, with its ancient Buddhist roots, and Da Nang, a vibrant coastal city known for its heritage and hospitality. Together, they are laying the foundation for a new era of spiritual and sustainable tourism in Asia.

1. Promoting Buddhist Tourism in Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh is often called the “Gateway of Buddhist Heritage in India.” Its history is deeply intertwined with the rise and spread of Buddhism across Asia. Ancient sites such as Amaravati, Thotlakonda, Bavikonda, and Guntupalli have long drawn pilgrims and archaeologists alike.

The new MoU highlights Andhra Pradesh’s Buddhist Circuit Project, which aims to restore, conserve, and promote these sites internationally — especially to visitors from Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, and Sri Lanka.

Key Heritage Sites to be Promoted:

• Amaravati Stupa: Once among the grandest Buddhist monuments in South Asia, featuring intricate sculptures and inscriptions.

• Thotlakonda & Bavikonda (Visakhapatnam): Ancient monasteries that served as monastic learning centers for seafaring monks.

• Guntupalli Caves (West Godavari): Rock-cut caves with chaitya halls and stupas from the Satavahana era.

• Nagarjunakonda (Guntur): Named after Buddhist philosopher Nagarjuna, this island museum holds priceless relics from the 2nd century CE.

The collaboration with Da Nang Tourism Association will help create guided spiritual circuits, host Buddhist conclaves, and develop pilgrimage packages connecting Vietnamese and Indian travelers through shared cultural roots. 

2. Strengthening India–Vietnam Tourism Ties

The partnership between APTF and DTA reflects a growing India–Vietnam tourism corridor. Both nations share civilizational connections through Buddhism, maritime trade, and cultural exchange that date back over 2,000 years.

In recent years, Vietnam’s outbound tourism to India has surged — with destinations like Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, and Kushinagar gaining popularity among Vietnamese pilgrims. Similarly, Indian travelers have increasingly explored Vietnam’s beaches, caves, and heritage sites.

Highlights of the MoU include:

• Exchange of tourism professionals and promotional delegations.

• Collaborative marketing campaigns in India and Vietnam.

• Joint participation in international travel fairs.

• Promotion of direct flight connectivity between Visakhapatnam/Amaravati and Da Nang.

• Encouraging Buddhist study tours and cultural exchanges between universities and monasteries.

This MoU not only strengthens tourism but also deepens diplomatic and people-to-people relations — complementing the broader India–Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. 

3. Expanding Eco & Heritage Tourism

While Buddhist tourism is a central focus, the agreement also prioritizes eco-tourism and heritage-based travel — two fast-growing segments in global tourism.

Andhra Pradesh is rich in natural diversity — from the Eastern Ghats and Pulicat Lake to Araku Valley and Papikondalu Hills — making it an ideal region for sustainable travel initiatives.

The partnership will support:

• Eco-circuits and nature-based trails in coastal and hill regions.

• Community-based tourism programs empowering local livelihoods.

• Joint training programs on sustainable tourism practices.

• Cultural exchange festivals celebrating crafts, cuisine, and traditions of both regions.

Vietnam’s Da Nang, known for its sustainable tourism practices, will serve as a model for Andhra’s eco-tourism expansion — focusing on green infrastructure, heritage preservation, and community inclusion. 

4. Cultural Diplomacy Through Tourism

Tourism is not merely economic — it’s also a bridge of understanding. The Andhra Pradesh–Da Nang collaboration stands as a testament to the power of cultural diplomacy in fostering harmony and shared growth.

By promoting Buddhist and eco-tourism, both regions celebrate common values of peace, sustainability, and respect for nature.

Vietnam’s Buddhist roots trace back to India through the ancient maritime Silk Route. By reconnecting these threads, the MoU revives an age-old spiritual bond — positioning both nations as leaders in Asian cultural tourism. 

5. Economic and Developmental Impact

Tourism contributes significantly to Andhra Pradesh’s economy — accounting for nearly 7% of the state’s GDP. The new partnership is expected to generate:

• Increased international arrivals from Southeast Asia.

• Boosted hospitality and transport sectors.

• Employment for local guides, artisans, and tour operators.

• New investment in tourism infrastructure and training.

Additionally, with Vietnam’s growing middle-class traveler segment seeking authentic cultural experiences, Andhra Pradesh can emerge as a prime Buddhist heritage destination in South Asia. 

6. The Road Ahead

The MoU signing is only the beginning. The next steps include:

• Developing joint action plans with specific tourism projects.

• Launching digital promotions and Buddhist trail portals.

• Organizing India–Vietnam Tourism Conclaves annually.

• Collaborating on film and documentary projects to showcase shared heritage.

If implemented effectively, this partnership could redefine spiritual and sustainable tourism cooperation in Asia. 

Conclusion

The MoU between the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Forum and the Da Nang Tourism Association marks a visionary step toward building stronger cultural and tourism bridges between India and Vietnam.

By integrating Buddhist, eco, and heritage tourism, both regions are aligning ancient wisdom with modern sustainability. This collaboration not only honors shared history but also opens new pathways for global travelers to explore the beauty, spirituality, and diversity of Asia.

As Andhra Pradesh positions itself as the next international Buddhist destination, the Da Nang partnership stands as a shining example of how tourism can unite nations in pursuit of peace, prosperity, and preservation.