Visakhapatnam Tourism ready to experience great surge
Andhra Pradesh’s financial capital and largest city is all set to get a major lift in tourism sector as the city will soon be boasting off some tourists’ attractions on beaches, introduction of water sports, revival of heli-tourism and upgradation of tourists’ facilities. The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) has already equipped some key tourist spots with basic facilities like restaurants, toilets, cottages, shacks and changing rooms. Now, the Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority (VUDA) has definite plans to attract more tourists to the city by developing beach front substantially.
According to P Basanth Kumar, VUDA Vice-Chairman, the TU-142 Aircraft Museum inaugurated by President Ram Nath Kovind on last December has already delivered tourist footfall of 4 lakhs and earned revenue of Rs 1.5 crore by March-end this year. He also confirmed that the government has allotted Rs 20 crore for managing museum-related works at Kursura Submarine Museum. The government plans to suspend Sea Harrier, the small aircraft, in the air and grow it as an exceptional tourist attraction. “VUDA also identified 1,300 acres on the Yarada Hill for development of a botanical garden, golf course and high-end villas and a star hotel. We have sent the proposal to the government for consideration. The Chief Minister, however, wanted greater focus on hotel rooms to attract tourists. A fresh DPR is being prepared with plans for more hotel rooms apart from the botanical garden and other proposals,” he added.
APTDC has already constructed four shacks at the popular Yarada beach, a calm beach situated away from the city. The destination has been provided with amenities like toilets and children’s play equipment. Construction of toilets and establishment of power connection are still pending. APTDC is also improving the facilities at its tourist cottages at Rushikonda. To provide an additional approach to the beach, a new mud road has been developed around the Rushikonda Hill. Souvenir shops, parking space and a few other facilities already exist at this beach.
The cottages being built at Lambasingi are also nearing completion. The tourism department would construct four shacks at Erramatti Dibbalu. Basic facilities have been arranged at Thadiguda Waterfall near Anantagiri in the Agency Area of the district.