Chandrababu Naidu approves projects for tourism development

Amaravati: AP Tourism Board proposed a concept plan to convert INS Viraat into a naval maritime museum and a tourist destination in Visakhapatnam. Rushikonda in Vizag has been identified as the most suitable location and site development will be underway once all requisite clearances and permissions are received, explained the officials to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu during a meeting with the AP Tourism, Culture and Heritage Board on Thursday at Secretariat at Velagapudi.

The officials also proposed a convention centre and a hotel with 148 rooms in the INS Viraat. Chief Minister also accepted the invitation to lay foundation of Sheraton Hotel in Vijayawada. NAC Hospitality submitted their design and proposal for the 5-star hotel and requested him to attend the Bhumi Puja and the foundation stone laying day on March 1st.

Bhavani Islands

The Bhavani Island Tourism Corporation had appointed the consortium of CBT and Studio PoD who have developed a concept master plan for Islands 1 (792 acres) and 3 (515 acres). Out of the 7 islands, these two have been prioritised in Phase 1 due to their proximity to both Vijayawada and Amaravati.

They will be developed with significant green open spaces and world-class tourist attractions. The islands will be developed with different themes and functions like entertainment (Amusement Park), Culture Centre, Heritage Centre and a Nature Reserve.

Madhurawada
An International Convention Centre, a 5-star hotel, a resort with a golf course and a helipad was proposed to be introduced in Madhurawada, Vizag. About 240 acre hill will be converted into an integrated tourist destination, and will have a green area, roads, rural craft village, family entertainment centre and an area for future extension.

Luxury beach resort at Kalingapatnam
He reviewed a proposal to establish a luxury beach resort at Kalingapatnam by Club Mahindra. On an extent of 5 acres, with an estimated amount of Rs. 200 crore, the project will be set up consisting of 200 luxury guest units. The Chief Minister approved the project.

Tribal Circuit, Araku
He also gave his nod for the development of a Tribal Circuit at Araku, as part of ecotourism. This region will be promoted as a circuit connecting Borra Caves, Ananthagiri Hill Resorts, Pathabaluguda, Araku Valley, Chaprai waterfalls, Dallapallo and Lambasingi.

The proposal included upgradation of facilities, coffee-tourism and the concept of a rural experience and exposure to tribal culture, with Rs. 157 crore. The project will be proposed to the Government of India.

Gandikota - Cable Car
Officials presented an idea of establishing a Passenger Cable Car Ropeway at Gandikota to develop it as a tourist destination. For this project, CM approved of the Rs. 7.5 crore.

Tourism Secretary Mukesh Kumar Meena, Tourism Director Himanshu Shukla, Tourism Minister Bhuma Akhila Priya and Principal Secretary G Sai Prasad were among the officials present at the meeting.