Andhra Pradesh Tourism to bring up 6 marquee projects to attract tourists

Andhra Pradesh Tourism is currently working on 6 marquee projects offering good potential for investments. The announced projects of Madhurawada, INS Viraat, Havelock Bridge, Bhawani Island, Gandikota, and Kakinada Swadesh Darshan are all set to transform the state into a tourist destination.

Speaking at the panel discussion of ‘Strategies for Development of Tourism Infrastructure and Services in emerging tourist destinations of Andhra Pradesh’, at CII Partnership Summit in Vizag, Principal Secretary Andhra Pradesh Tourism, Mukesh Kumar Meena I.A.S, said that the government is adopting a policy where unique projects are undertaken to attract tourists, with the help of collaborations with private players.

While 700 acres of Bhawani Island will be converted into a world-class tourist destination, Havelock Bridge in Rajahmundry, and Gandikota will be made into recreation, and adventure and heritage zones respectively. Also, INS Viraat will boast of a 5-star hotel, gaming zone, and Maritime Museum Memorabilia.

Also speaking at the event was Minister for Tourism, Telugu Language and Culture, Bhuma Akhila Priya who stated that 250 acres of land have been identified at Madhurawada to build multiple facilities such as an amusement park, oceanarium, and others.

The government also has plans to develop Kakinada Beach Front and 50 acres of area is being developed for the same.

Mr. Kumar also mentioned the fact that Andhra Pradesh is ranked 3rd in the country, only after Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh, in terms of the domestic tourist flow to the state.

He said that the major challenges such as availability of infrastructure, the creation of facilities and accommodation, need to be overcome in order to achieve the targets. As per a survey by the HVS, it has been learned that Andhra Pradesh needs 25000 rooms whereas the current number stands at 9300. The Principal Secretary informed that the officials are looking to fill the gaps in the next five to six years and are going ahead with only those projects which they feel are feasible.

Reportedly, MoUs worth Rs 7806 crore, in the tourism sector alone, have been signed today at the summit. The MoUs were handed over by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.

The officials have also stated that there’s a need to create an identity for Andhra Pradesh and procedures that will facilitate easier methods of undertaking projects, must be adopted.