Vijayawada: Slashing of cottage rents by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) is giving fruitful results for the last four months as the occupancy ratio of visitors increased from merely 30 per cent to more than 40 per cent.
The APTDC constructed 30 rooms in Harita Berm Park on the banks of Krishna river in Bhavanipuram and 30 rooms in Bhavani island in the middle of the Krishna river. Tourists not only from Krishna district, but also from other parts of the state visit the Bhavani island and Berm Park.
The occupancy ratio did not cross 30 per cent during the last 10 years. In order to attract more tourists, the APTDC slashed the rents of the AC rooms.
The AC deluxe room rent was reduced from Rs 2,750 to Rs 2,300, AC executive suit from Rs 2,200 to Rs 2,000, AC and standard room rent from Rs 1,700 to Rs 1,500. The Non-AC room rent remains the same at Rs 1,200.
The Berm Park is a very beautiful and pleasant place to visit. The park has multi-cuisine restaurant for 60 visitors, AC conference hall with 120 seating capacity and AC bar, food court and lush green lawns to conduct events, marriages and parties. R. Balasubramanyam, manager of a pharmaceutical company, said both Berm Park and Bhavani island are ideal places for relaxation.
APTDC Vijayawada divisional manager T. Baboji said the number of visitors to Bhavani island and Berm Park is gradually increasing with the slashing of cottage rents.
Tree top cottage rent decreased from Rs 1,900 to Rs 1,200. The APTDC is collecting rent of Rs 3,000 for the conference hall with a capacity of 60 persons. The rooms are allotted for 24 hours while two adults and two children can stay for 24 hours.
The APTDC is operating boats and steamers from three places, Durga ghat, Punnami ghat in Bhavanipuram, Vijayawada and Lotus Restaurant near Seetanagaram, Guntur district to the Bhavani island.
It is only 10-minute boat ride to Bhavani island. With the beginning of New Year and subsequent Sankranti festival, there is a steady growth of visitors to the tourist centres in the district.
