Vizag tourists

Tourist spots in Visakhapatnam have turned into a beehive of activity with steady inflow of tourists from West Bengal, Orissa and other States.

Dasara vacation – the period considered ideal for people seeking leisure tourism in the hills due to pleasant climatic conditions – has attracted many to Araku valley. With hotels and resorts having been booked in advance, ‘no vacancy' boards are greeting guests at most of the popular holiday locations.

“We did very good business during Dasara and are expecting it to continue with Christmas/Pongal and other festivals to follow. We expect to register a 30 per cent jump in our revenue,” AP Tourism Development Corporation Divisional Manager Suresh Kumar Reddy told The Hindu. There is an abnormal demand for million-year-old Borra Caves, located close to hill resorts of Araku and Anantagiri. APTDC had season's best collection of Rs.3 lakh from entry fee charged from the tourists on Sunday. The collection was Rs.2.58 lakh on Saturday and Rs.2.40 lakh on Friday.

Rushikonda – considered the best beach spot in the city – has become a big hit even with foreign tourists. The resort owned by APTDC is in demand with daily collections exceeding Rs.1.5 lakh during Dasara vacation. The re-introduction of speedboats at Rushikonda has provided good entertainment for several adventure-loving tourists. On an average, APTDC could get Rs.15,000 a day by charging Rs.250 per ride into the sea.

The ‘joy trip' conducted into the sea from the Fishing Harbour in 40-seater ship has been appreciated by many tourists. “It is quite a thrilling experience. Moreover, we could take picturesque photos of the city from the vessel,” said Nirmala Hazarika, a tourist from Kolkata. The budget hotel Yatri Nivas (Harita) located near Appu Ghar has 75 to 80 per cent rooms booked in advance. The Jungle Bell project at Tyda, on the foothills of Eastern Ghats, famous for bird-watching and mountaineering, has 18 rooms. “Even in off-season, we have 100 per cent occupancy at Tyda,” Mr. Reddy said.

The road-cum-rail package to Araku and Borra Caves by the APTDC has bookings three months in advance. To cater to the demand, tourists buses were being operated from the city for a daylong trip to the agency area by charging Rs.500 per head (includes guide fee and food). Eight buses were run during Dasara season on daily basis on a tour to the heritage places like the Buddhist sites and 17th century Dutch township of Bhimunipatnam.

Onus is on airline operators

Operation of direct flights to international destinations from Visakhapatnam airport is likely to take some more time with Union Minister of State for Human Resource Development D. Purandeswari putting the onus on airline operators.

At a meeting organised by the Visakha Air Travellers' Association (VATA) in connection with its 16th anniversary celebrations here on Saturday, the Minister said she had already taken up the issue of operating direct flights and keeping the Air Traffic Control (ATC) open round the clock with the Civil Aviation and Defence Ministries and the departments concerned.

“I call upon international operators to give me the consent letter and leave the rest to me,” she said throwing an open challenge to the operators, who were all the time demanding opening up of the ATC round the clock before they decide on the slots.

Ms. Purandeswari said she was equally committed to the development of Visakhapatnam, but sought support and cooperation from the other side.

Referring to lack of wheelchairs at the airport, the Minister said it was the responsibility of the airline operators to provide wheelchairs when “persons with special needs” travel on their aircraft. Such passengers, however, need to inform the airline operator of their requirement at the time of booking the ticket. When airline operators fail to provide the wheelchairs, even after being informed in advance, they would be taken to task, she said.

Referring to reports in the media that she was neglecting the development of her constituency, Ms. Purandeswari became emotional and spoke at length about the issues taken up by her at various levels and hoped they would fructify soon. VATA president Ch. Ramakotaiah underlined the importance of international connectivity for the development of the city. He said 8 lakh people were travelling from Visakhapatnam airport every year. GVMC Commissioner B. Ramanjaneyulu, former MLA s Manam Anjaneyulu and K. Haribabu, CEO of Symbiosis Technologies O. Naresh Kumar, and proprietor of Vijay Nirman Co. S. Vijay Kumar were among those who spoke