Beach shacks get Cabinet nod; tourism sector sees opportunity for Vizag
The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet has approved the setting up of beach shacks along the Visakhapatnam coastline on a pilot basis, marking a significant push to a long-pending demand from tour operators and the hospitality industry.
The proposed shacks, modelled on those in Goa, will be permitted to serve liquor and operate between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. Tourism stakeholders have welcomed the decision, saying it could strengthen the city’s positioning as a coastal tourism hub, while also cautioning that several regulatory and implementation issues remain unresolved.
Beach shacks are temporary seaside structures constructed using eco-friendly materials in compliance with Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms. Common in Goa and several global beach destinations, they function as open-air eateries offering food, beverages, seating, sunbeds and other leisure facilities aimed at enhancing visitor experience.
Industry representatives said the initiative could help Visakhapatnam emerge as an alternative beach destination for both domestic and international tourists, particularly in the post-pandemic travel landscape where cost and crowding have influenced destination choices.
Andhra Pradesh Tourism Forum president K. Vijay Mohan described the Cabinet’s approval as a key development for the sector. “This is not about turning Visakhapatnam into another Goa. It is about creating an alternative destination with its own coastal tourism identity,” he said.
He added that the project could attract tourists from Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries, including Russia, if implemented effectively. Mohan also pointed to the growing IT workforce across urban centres, which could generate weekend leisure demand for such destinations.
Tourism stakeholders noted that several international travellers have been shifting from Goa to destinations such as Sri Lanka in recent years due to rising costs and overcrowding. They said Visakhapatnam could tap into this gap in the market if positioned correctly.
However, key concerns remain over policy clarity, particularly on the liquor licensing framework and the operational model. It is yet to be decided whether the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) will operate the shacks directly or lease them to private players.
Tour operators have also stressed the need for strong crowd management systems to prevent misuse and ensure law and order at beach locations.
Environmental groups have urged the government to establish strict safeguards, including scientific waste disposal, wastewater treatment and strict enforcement of the ban on single-use plastics. Stakeholders have also suggested that the shacks be developed within a designated zone to ensure easier monitoring and environmental compliance.
The proposal has faced resistance in the past from political parties and civil society groups over concerns related to liquor-serving establishments along beaches. With the Cabinet’s approval in place, stakeholders say the focus now shifts to building a clear regulatory framework that balances tourism growth with environmental protection and public safety.