Minister Durgesh inaugurates modernised Haritha Hotel in Visakhapatnam
Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh on Saturday said around Rs 12,000 crore has been invested in Andhra Pradesh’s tourism sector over the past year. Several new projects are underway across the State to enhance tourist facilities and experiences.
The Minister inaugurated the upgraded Haritha Hotel (Yatri Niwas) at Appughar in MVP Colony, Visakhapatnam. Modernised at a cost of Rs 13.5 crore by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC), the hotel now has 41 rooms, a bar, a restaurant, and a meeting hall. Durgesh said the hotel, long neglected, has been revamped and will serve as a key attraction on Beach Road, Visakhapatnam.
Earlier, he opened the Tourism CRO counter near RK Beach, which allows tourists to book tickets for hop-on hop-off double-decker buses running between RK Beach and Thotlakonda. He also released the brochure for the Vizag Food Festival–2025, scheduled from September 5 to 7.
Development work at Tyda and Jungle Bells on the Visakhapatnam–Araku road, previously delayed due to inter-departmental issues, has resumed. A special committee led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, with support from Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, cleared the way for the Tourism Department to take the lead.
Durgesh said Visakhapatnam remains the top tourist destination in Andhra Pradesh. Circuits are being planned to connect the city with Araku Valley, Simhachalam, Arasavalli, and other nearby attractions. Agreements for new hotels have been signed with Oberoi, Mayfair, and IRCTC, and other companies have expressed interest.
Two double-decker buses launched by the Chief Minister will run along Beach Road, covering 14 tourist spots. Tickets are priced at Rs 250 for adults and Rs 100 for children, valid for the whole day.
Criticising the previous government, Durgesh said the Rs 434-crore Rushikonda Palace was built in place of profitable green resorts that once earned about Rs 7 crore annually, causing financial and environmental losses.
He added that central government schemes such as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and PRASAD are supporting projects at Akhanda Godavari, Gandikota, Suryalanka Beach, and temples at Annavaram and Simhachalam. Tourism development is also ongoing in tribal areas like Lambasingi and Vanjangi, with more projects planned.
Durgesh accused the YSRCP government of neglecting tourism, leading to loss of jobs and revenue. He said the current coalition government is committed to reviving the sector and creating new employment opportunities.