Rs. 200-cr development project to be completed in two years

Soon, a day at the beaches of Visakhapatnam will offer an array of experiences from adventure sports to a peek into the region’s maritime history and much more.

A host of wayside amenities are being taken up by the State government as part of the beachfront development project at the cost of Rs. 200 crore. “The project is expected to be completed in two years. Seven beaches will be developed including R.K. Beach, Sagarnagar and Yendada on the lines of Smart City concept,” said Collector Praveen Kumar while addressing a gathering of members the Network of Indian MICE Agents (NIMA) here on Wednesday. The entire project is being planned in a manner that people get wholesome entertainment, relaxation and spend a fun-filled activity oriented experience at the beaches of the city.

The 40-member NIMA team, who were in the city, to experience the various tourism spots were floored by the beauty of the beaches and the hills. The three-day visit was organised by Hotel and Restaurant Association of AP and Tours and Travels Agents Association to showcase Visakhapatnam and promote the region at the national and international platforms for MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) and tourism.

Sharing his experiences of the city tour here, Vikas Khanduri, advisor of NIMA said: “The city is a rare confluence of beaches and hills. The presence of a cluster of star-category hotels along the beach road within walking distance of each other makes the city an ideal place for international conferences with a large capacity of delegates. When I go back, I will promote the city in every possible way for more tourist footfalls and MICE events.”

He, however, said training and education of those associated in delivering the tourism products will go a long way in making the city reach its potential.

Other members like Gajesh Giridhar, Rajeev Chawla and Gopi Nath expressed that apart from the natural grandeur of the place, the presence of two maritime museums – the Kursura Museum and the decommissioned TU-142 anti-submarine aircraft which will be turned into a museum in next three months – will catapult the tourism potential of the city.

Charmed by the natural beauty of the city, Mr. Giridhar said there will be a special presentation on Visakhapatnam at the upcoming ‘Destination Showcase Meet’ in New Delhi wherein over 300 travel agents are expected to converge from across the country. During the visit, the members were taken to key tourist spots while they also relished the local Andhra cuisine.