Report by ; andhraportal

Sweet News for Tourists Going to AP: New Tourist Policy for the First Time in India!

Andhra Pradesh has taken a bold step to enhance the state’s tourism experience with a groundbreaking programme that is being introduced for the first time in the country. The Andhra Pradesh government, in partnership with ride-hailing platform Rapido, has launched an innovative “Driver-cum-Guide” training policy designed to make tourism more informative, engaging and convenient for visitors. (turn0news1; turn0search3)

This fresh policy aims to turn everyday auto and cab drivers into certified tourism ambassadors — giving tourists not only a ride but also valuable insights into the culture, history and attractions of the region. Tourism officials and stakeholders are hopeful this Italia-first approach will boost tourism growth, support local livelihoods, and improve visitor satisfaction. (turn0search4)

What Is the ‘Driver-cum-Guide’ Policy?

Under this unique initiative, Andhra Pradesh Tourism is training selected auto-rickshaw and cab drivers — especially those with high ratings on Rapido — to act as tourist guides. These drivers receive structured training on local history, culture, key destinations and safety protocols to better engage travellers. (turn0search3; turn0news1)

The programme was formally launched on February 24, 2026 in Vijayawada and marks the first time in India that such a driver-guide model has been implemented. During the pilot, around 280 drivers — including auto and cab drivers — underwent specialized training. (turn0search3)

How the Programme Works

Training Modules: Drivers receive comprehensive training that includes destination literacy, storytelling techniques, safety protocols, cultural insights, and use of language tools like Bhashini and Google Translate. (turn0search3)
Certification & Identification: After successfully completing the training, drivers are certified and can be identified by a special “Tourist Guide” icon integrated into the Rapido app. Tourists will be able to easily book and choose certified driver-guides through the app. (turn0search13)
Pilot Cities: The pilot has begun in Vijayawada, with plans to extend it to other major hubs like Tirupati and Visakhapatnam in the near future. (turn0search3)

This new policy effectively enhances tourism service standards by combining transportation with cultural guidance, making sightseeing smoother and more informative for travellers. (turn0search4)

Why This Matters for Tourists

This policy is a win-win for both tourists and local communities:

Enhanced Tourist Experience: Visitors can now enjoy local insights, anecdotes, and historical context on sightseeing trips without needing a separate guide.
Easy Booking & Access: Tourists can book driver-guides directly through Rapido, simplifying travel logistics across major destinations.
Supporting Local Economy: The policy empowers drivers with new skills and certifications, offering them higher earnings and professional growth opportunities. (turn0search7)

By transforming everyday drivers into cultural ambassadors, the Andhra Pradesh government hopes to boost tourism and promote local heritage with a more welcoming and educational travel environment. (turn0search3)

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is the Driver-cum-Guide policy?
It is a first-of-its-kind initiative in India where auto and cab drivers are trained to serve as both drivers and tourist guides. (turn0search3)

Where did the programme start?
The pilot project was launched in Vijayawada and is expected to expand to other cities. (turn0search3)

How can tourists book trained drivers?
Certified driver-guides can be booked through the Rapido app, where a special “Tourist Guide” icon will indicate trained drivers. (turn0search13)

Why is this important?
The policy enhances the quality of tourism services while supporting local drivers with skill development and increased earnings. (turn0search7