Ambitious Growth Strategy
Andhra Pradesh's Tourism Minister, Kandula Durgesh, has declared Visakhapatnam as the absolute pinnacle of the state's tourism offerings, charting an expansive strategy to elevate the coastal city into
a globally recognized tourist haven. This vision was articulated during a legislative session, where detailed plans were presented to enhance Visakhapatnam's international appeal. A significant component of this strategy involves the signing of 50 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), collectively valued at a substantial ₹8,650 crore, dedicated to the comprehensive development of Visakhapatnam and its surrounding locales. The city's development is being orchestrated under a sophisticated 'Hub and Spoke' framework, with a deliberate emphasis on introducing and enhancing high-end travel experiences such as seaplane services, luxury cruise tourism circuits, and accessible heli-tourism options, all designed to cater to a discerning international clientele and significantly enrich the visitor experience across the region.
Spiritual and Natural Wonders
Visakhapatnam is strategically being positioned as a dual-purpose tourism hub, embracing both adventure and foundational tourism elements. Significant financial allocations have been made to enhance its spiritual and natural attractions. Specifically, under the comprehensive PRASAD scheme, an amount of ₹54.04 crore has been earmarked for the crucial development and preservation of the revered Simhachalam temple. Concurrently, under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 initiative, a sum of ₹28.87 crore has been allocated for the enhancement and accessibility of the magnificent Borra Caves. Progress on these vital projects is reportedly advancing at a rapid pace, ensuring that these key cultural and natural sites are prepared to welcome a larger influx of visitors and offer improved experiences.
Adventure Tourism Flourishes
The adventure tourism sector in Visakhapatnam is experiencing a remarkable surge in activity and offerings. A diverse array of ten distinct types of water sports, designed to cater to thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike, have been successfully introduced. These exhilarating activities, which notably include options such as scuba diving for underwater exploration and paramotoring for aerial views, are now available at several prime locations. Visitors can partake in these adventures at the popular Rushikonda Beach, Thimmapuram Beach, Sagar Nagar Beach, and the serene Gosthani backwaters. The minister attributes this significant advancement and the overall boost to the tourism sector to the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, particularly highlighting the pivotal decision to grant industrial status to tourism, thereby unlocking new avenues for growth and investment.
Enhanced Connectivity and Stays
Further enhancing the visitor experience, several initiatives are underway to improve accessibility and accommodation options. As part of the forward-thinking Caravan Policy, dedicated caravan parks are slated for development across various strategic regions, offering flexible travel solutions. The introduction of Hop-On Hop-Off double-decker buses within Visakhapatnam has already demonstrated promising results, improving intra-city mobility for tourists. Furthermore, the state's commitment to promoting local hospitality is evident in the establishment of 490 homestays, facilitated through the dedicated homestay and bed-and-breakfast policy, providing authentic and comfortable lodging experiences for visitors. These developments are crucial in making Visakhapatnam more accessible and enjoyable for a wider range of travelers.
Policy Reforms and Future Outlook
The minister highlighted that the forthcoming implementation of CRZ-19 norms is expected to streamline and remove existing impediments to the construction of tourism-related projects, paving the way for smoother development. He emphasized that the current coalition government has successfully revitalized the tourism sector, which had faced considerable challenges and setbacks between the years 2019 and 2024. The recently unveiled Tourism Policy for the period 2024–29 has already proven instrumental in attracting significant investments into the sector. The overarching objective is to meticulously develop Visakhapatnam, alongside Amaravati and Tirupati, into prominent and globally recognized tourism hubs, thereby boosting Andhra Pradesh's profile as a premier tourist destination.
