AP govt to launch 33 hotels to boost tourism

Andhra Pradesh government is planning to add 33 hotels, including major global and domestic brands, in the state at a total investment of Rs 2,400 crore to strengthen tourism development.
"To further strengthen tourism development in the state, Andhra Pradesh is launching 33 hotels offering more than 2,766 rooms with a total investment of Rs 2,400 crore," an Andhra Pradesh Tourism release issued here said.
It said as tourist preference patterns over the years have shown a gradual shift from traditional tourism, with more and more tourists now inclined towards additional entertainment avenues, including water sports, adventure tourism, Andhra Pradesh is also focusing on them.

To cater to this ever-rising group of tourists and to make Andhra Pradesh the most preferred destination, the state is all set to launch a host of water sports and adventure tourism facilities, it said.
In line with the surge in tourist interest in water sports, the state has already introduced facilities like para-sailing, jeep para-sailing, para-motoring, water-skiing, speed boat among others at Bhavani Islands in Vijayawada, it said.
Work is also underway to replicate the same across other key beaches such as Rishikonda, Bheemili, Mangamaripeta, Thotlakonda among others, it added.

"We are extremely proud to announce the launch of a host of water sports and adventure tourism facilities in Andhra Pradesh. This launch will herald a new dimension in tourism in the state," Andhra Pradesh Principal Secretary - Tourism and Culture, Neerabh Kumar Prasad said.

The state is geared up to launch amphibious vehicles in Vijayawada and Rajahmundry, which can operate on both land and water, the release said.
The state is also coming up with sea planes to be functional in Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada and Kakinada to offer Heli tourism, it said.
Site for setting up seaplane jetty has been identified in all the destinations and currently, design work is underway, it said.
State Tourism department Commissioner R P Khajuria said, "Amphibious vehicles and Heli tourism are two most contemporary forms of tourism attractions. We plan to launch them soon and are really upbeat about it. Overall, with the launch of these hosts of water sports and adventure tourism activities, we feel tourism in the state will get a major boost.