VISAKHAPATNAM: Most tourism projects planned for Visakhapatnam district are yet to take off and remain a pipeline dream.
The government announced several tourism projects to make the region the most attractive tourist destination in the state. Tour operators had expressed their hopes that the project would boost the economy and increase employment.
However, not a single project is yet to be completed. Officials of the tourism department claimed that they have invited expressions of interest to develop the projects.
As of now, work on the floating restaurant on the abandoned merchant vessel has commenced in Vizag city. But the project proponent, partnered with AP Tourism Development Corporation, is struggling to get a road laid to the ship from the beach road. The project is estimated to cost 10 crore.
The tourism department has proposed projects such as a 120-meter-high sky tower with mini-amusement park , floating restaurant, tunnel aquarium, snow park, Bheemili-Bhogapuram beach corridor, hanging and suspension bridges across the Gosthani river, facelift of the centuries-old Dutch Cemetery, cottages at Annavaram village on the beach road and at Lambasingi under Chintapalle mandal in Vizag Agency.
Speaking to TOI, president of Tours and Travels Association of Andhra Pradesh, K Vijay Mohan said the government announced tourism projects in and around Vizag but most are yet to commence. “Tourism is the only sector in the present scenario that will boost the economy and create direct and indirect employment for youngsters,” he added.
Officials of the tourism department said in December 2021, Vizag attracted 28.5 lakh domestic and 5,191 foreign visitors. February 2022 saw over 28 lakh domestic and 3,600 foreign visitors.
Chairman of APTDC, Vizag Region, Vara Prasad Reddy said the pandemic affected work on tourism projects but the department expects to initiate work soon.
