Andhra Pradesh Tourism needs a complete overhaul starting from its logo to the lag in implementation of projects, according to Minister for Tourism Bhuma Akhila Priya
said at a press meet here on Saturday.
A series of tourism projects are expected to come up in the State with Detailed Project Reports (DPR) being prepared to augment the future course of action.
However, the much-hyped hovercraft project expected to come up in the city may be further delayed. “We first have to study the feasibility of the project. A review meeting will be held before finalising the details on the land allotment and other matters,” Ms Akhila Priya said. An MoU was signed between Hoverdock representatives and the tourism department at the CII Summit in 2016.
The Minister said the direct flight connectivity between Vizag and Colombo will give a big boost to the region’s medical and Buddhist tourism circuit.
Speaking about the other upcoming projects in the region, she said 14 beaches will be developed in the coastal corridor for which a DPR is being prepared. This apart, the APTDC is developing the scenic valleys of Lambasingi, often referred to as the ‘Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh’ for its sub-zero temperature during winter, with ₹ 5 crore. “Tenders have been floated for building resorts,” she said.
Similarly, the tiny hamlet of Dallapalli, located in the Eastern Ghats at an altitude of 3,500 feet above the sea level, is being developed at a cost of ₹ 3 crore.
The Minister said on July 12, tenders will be opened and the project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Referring to the Sagarmala project, she said jetties will be constructed near the creek in Bheemunipatnam and a proposal has been finalised for the same.
Responding to a query on privatising the Rushikonda tourism sesort, Ms Akhila Priya said only if it is a loss-making unit, the Tourism Department will consider calling tenders for privatisation.
