VISAKHAPATNAM: Tourism sector in Andhra Pradesh has received investments worth ₹12,000 crore as part of the state government’s efforts to rebuild tourism in AP, whose infrastructure had severely weakened under the previous administration.
State Tourism, Culture and Cinematography minister Kandula Durgesh made this announcement while inaugurating a modernised Haritha Hotel (Yatri Niwas) at Appughar in Visakhapatnam on Saturday.
The facility, upgraded at a cost of ₹13.5 crore, now features 41 rooms, including AC suites, deluxe and executive rooms, apart from a meeting hall, bar and a restaurant.
“With the investments received, we are establishing tourism hubs and circuits connecting many tourist destinations,” Durgesh informed media at a press conference. On the occasion, he inaugurated a Tourism Central Reservation Office counter near the RK Beach. This will enable tourists to book tickets for hop-on hop-off double-decker buses from RK Beach to Thotlakonda. Additionally, he unveiled a brochure for the upcoming Vizag Food Festival 2025, scheduled from September 5 to September 7.
The minister underlined that the state is adopting a public-private partnership approach to attract investments, with several major hotel chains showing interest. “MoUs have already been signed with Oberoi, Mayfair and IRCTC for establishment of star hotels. Hotels like Novotel have offered to further develop their facilities,” he revealed.
Durgesh said the state is leveraging central government schemes to further develop tourism in the state. Projects under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 are being implemented at Gandikota and Suryalanka Beach, while temple tourism is being promoted through the Prasad scheme at sites like Annavaram and Simhachalam.
The minister said tourism is developing in tribal areas under the 1/70 law. Constructions have already begun at Lambasingi and proposals have been submitted for the development of Rampa area.
Durgesh particularly criticised the YSRC government for constructing the Rushikonda Palace at a cost of ₹434 crore. He claimed it replaced a profitable green resort that generated ₹7 crore annually for the tourism department.