Hyderabad, Oct 11 (IANS): The World Bank is keen on funding the Buddhist Circuit in Andhra Pradesh, the state government said Saturday.

Amravati-Nagarjunakonda-Visakhapatnam (Borra Caves, Salihundum Caves) is one of the Buddhist circuits proposed to be developed in the country.

Making tourism one of its key focus areas in the service sector mission, the state government said that proposals to develop tourist circuits would be invited and the process would be made transparent.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu directed tourism officials to come up with suggestions to attract more international tourists by establishing more tourist attractions and promoting religious, eco-tourism and beach tourism.

He asked officials to promote heritage sites in Andhra Pradesh and underlined the need for promoting local arts and handicrafts like Kondapalli Bommalu, Etikoppaka, Narsapuram Laces and others.

The chief minister said the food of the state should be promoted in a big way through food festivals.

He added that Kuchipudi dance could be promoted on global and local platforms by incorporating it in every programme.

Naidu said the government is considering establishing a tourism university on the lines of those in Australia, New Zealand and Switzerland, with world class facilities, offering a gamut of courses.