Visakhapatnam to be developed into a major tourist hub, says Chandrababu Naidu

The much-awaited Vizag Yachting Festival was flagged off by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu in the city on Thursday. IT Minister Nara Lokesh, HRD Minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao, Visakhapatnam Port Trust (VPT) chairman M.T Krishna Babu, and others were present at the flagging off ceremony.

Speaking at the event, CM Naidu said, “We have flagged off a unique event today. While the Araku Balloon Festival, which held last year, showcased the beauty of Araku valley to the entire nation, Vizag Yachting Festival has to potential to establish the city as a major yachting destination.”

“Visakhapatnam boasts of an amazing coastline and the tourism sector here must be developed to a greater extent, as this would not only attract tourists from across the globe but would also result in large scale employment creation. Different water sporting activities and adventure sports can be organised in the city to enthral the tourists,” the CM further added and thanked E factor for organising the festival on a large scale in the city.

Mr. Chandrababu Naidu also said that the CII Partnership Summit, held thrice in Visakhapatnam, saw MoUs being signed for investments close to Rs 18,000 crores. He also said that if the promised industries turn into a reality, as many as 43 lakh jobs would be created in different parts of
Andhra Pradesh.

VPT chairman M.T Krishna Babu, while speaking to Yo! Vizag said the organization was trying to encourage yachting and other sea sports in the city. “A budget of around Rs 3.5 crore to 4 crores has been spent in creating these opportunities. Also, if any other company wants to operate sea sports in the city, the Port Trust will be permitting them, provided the activities were certified and followed proper safety measures.”

Mr. Krishna Babu also informed that after the completion of the festival, the city will be having two dedicated yachts. This step, he felt, would add to the tourism potential of Vizag.