Andhra Pradesh Government Unveils Ambitious Plan to Transform Visakhapatnam into International Tourism Destination
In a significant announcement during the Assembly session, Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh declared Visakhapatnam as the crown jewel of Andhra Pradesh's tourism sector, revealing comprehensive plans to elevate the coastal city to global prominence.
Massive Investment and Strategic Development Model
Responding to queries from Visakhapatnam South MLA Ch Vamsi Krishna Srinivas during Question Hour, Minister Durgesh disclosed that the government has signed 50 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) worth a staggering ₹8,650 crore specifically for Visakhapatnam's development and its surrounding regions. The city is being strategically developed using an innovative "Hub and Spoke" model that positions Visakhapatnam as the central hub with connectivity to various tourism destinations across the state.
High-End Tourism Infrastructure Initiatives
The minister detailed several high-profile projects designed to attract international tourists:
- Seaplane services to enhance connectivity and provide unique aerial experiences
- Cruise tourism circuits along the coastal regions
- Heli-tourism facilities for premium travel experiences
- Hop-On Hop-Off double-decker buses already operational with positive results
- Caravan parks to be established across various regions under the new Caravan Policy
Adventure Tourism and Heritage Development
Visakhapatnam is being positioned as both an adventure tourism hub and an anchor tourism destination. Significant progress has been made in adventure tourism with the introduction of 10 different water sports at multiple locations including Rushikonda, Thimmapuram, Sagar Nagar Beach, and Gosthani backwaters. These activities range from scuba diving to paramotoring, creating diverse experiences for adventure enthusiasts.
On the heritage front, substantial funding has been allocated:
- ₹54.04 crore sanctioned under the PRASAD scheme for Simhachalam temple development
- ₹28.87 crore allocated under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 for Borra Caves enhancement
Policy Support and Sector Revival
Minister Durgesh credited Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu for granting industrial status to tourism, a move that has provided significant momentum to the sector. The minister emphasized that the coalition government has successfully revived tourism after what he described as setbacks between 2019 and 2024.
The new Tourism Policy 2024–29 has already attracted substantial investments, and the government anticipates that once CRZ-19 norms come into force, obstacles to tourism project construction will be cleared, further accelerating development.
Comprehensive Tourism Network Development
Under the homestay and bed-and-breakfast policy, 490 homestays have been established across the state, creating additional accommodation options for tourists. The government's broader vision includes developing three major tourism hubs across Andhra Pradesh: Visakhapatnam, Amaravati, and Tirupati, creating a comprehensive tourism network that showcases the state's diverse attractions.
This ambitious roadmap represents a comprehensive approach to transforming Andhra Pradesh's tourism sector, with Visakhapatnam positioned as the flagship destination that will drive international recognition and economic growth through sustainable tourism development.
