Araku and Visakhapatnam to be developed as anchor hubs under new tourism policy in Andhra Pradesh

New tourism concept of anchor hubs in Visakhapatnam region under State government's tourism policy 2024-29 for diverse tourism experiences.

The State government has introduced new tourism concept of anchor bubs in hub-and-spoke model under its new tourism policy 2024-29. Two of the seven anchor hubs across the State are coming up in the Visakhapatnam region under the policy. They are Araku Valley in Alluri Sitharama Raju district and Visakhapatnam city in Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC).

The hubs aim to transform the designated places into major tourism attractions to offer diverse tourism experiences such as beach tourism, river cruises, spiritual tourism, eco-tourism, wellness, heritage, adventure and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) tourism.

While Araku Valley and Tirupati have been given priority, the remaining five hubs are planned for long-term development.

Speaking to The Hindu, Integrated Tribal Development Agency-Paderu Project Officer V. Abhishek said, “Developing Araku Valley as an anchor hub is a great fillip to the ASR district. We are already developing tourist destinations in the district. Now, with this anchor hub scheme under the new tourism policy, it will give a boost to tourism development and enable us to speed up our projects.”

On the other hand, A.P. Hotel Owners Association president R.V. Swamy said, “The government’s new tourism policy is good, but government should keep a close eye on the benamis in the tourism industry. In the case of the anchor hub in Araku Valley, there are chances of tribal lands being grabbed by benamis in the name of tourism development. So the government should keep a close watch on those activities. Since Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is also tourism friendly, we hope that this policy will give a new lease of life to the tourism sector.”

Last mile connectivity is one of the key areas of focus to be laid under this anchor hub concept. With initiatives such as building and maintaining roads, introducing shuttle buses and bike rentals, and upgrading road, rail and air links are the part of this work. Second, development of infrastructure needed by tourists such as parking spaces, restrooms, drinking water facilities, and clear signage, ensuring a comfortable and conducive visitor experience.

Third, public-private partnerships projects. Funding and implementing large-scale infrastructure projects such as highway construction, transportation modernisation and hospitality development etc must be done under the PPP mode. Fourth, generation of employment. It can be possible by engaging local communities. By conducting skill development programmes, focussing on training in hospitality, tourism activities, conservation, traditional crafts, and related areas, thereby improving service quality of the employees. Finally, sustainability. Effective waste management, water conservation practices, and the adoption of energy-efficient solutions such as solar lighting and environmental protection, are part of the sustainability.