The Andhra Pradesh Tourism and Development Corporation (APTDC) is gearing up for a massive influx of tourists from the Dasara festival in October through to the Sankranti season. According to regional director Srinivasa Phani, all government resorts, hotels, and private accommodations in popular tourist destinations have been fully booked until the end of the festive period.
The tourist boom, which is expected to begin in early October 2024, will extend until the Sankranti holidays, attracting both domestic and international travelers to Andhra Pradesh’s scenic locations. APTDC has around 200 rooms, including 10 villas in Lambasingi, and 2,400 rooms in the private sector in the Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) district. Popular tourist spots like Araku, Ananthagiri, Lambasingi, Maredumilli, and Rapachodavaram are fully equipped, with an additional 6,000 tents available for rental during this high season.
In Visakhapatnam city, a key hub for tourism, there are 24 star-rated hotels offering 2,056 rooms, while 124 non-star hotels provide another 3,626 rooms. Yatri Nivas, which is currently undergoing renovation, will add 41 more rooms when completed at the start of the season. Srinivasa Phani shared that over 1 crore tourists visit Visakhapatnam and ASR districts annually, and this year, even higher numbers are anticipated.
Despite the excitement, officials are also addressing safety concerns, particularly in the ASR district, home to several picturesque yet potentially dangerous waterfalls. Many tourists, particularly youngsters, have engaged in risky behaviors near these waterfalls, resulting in tragic accidents while taking selfies or shooting short videos.
In a recent meeting led by ASR district collector A.S. Dinesh Kumar, tourism officials discussed preventative measures to reduce accidents. APTDC has received ₹30 crore under the Swadeshi Darshan 2.0 scheme from the central government, part of which will be used to develop infrastructure and safety measures at these tourist hotspots. The funds are expected to enhance safety features around waterfalls, making them more secure for visitors while still preserving their natural beauty.
The APTDC remains optimistic about the upcoming tourist season and is committed to ensuring both a memorable and safe experience for all visitors.
Leave a comment