Vijayawada: Out of the seven islands, for which the consortium of CBT and Studio Public Oriented Design have developed concept masterplan, two have been prioritised in Phase-1 due to their proximity to Vijayawada and Amaravati. They will be developed with significant green spaces and world-class tourist attractions. The Bhavani island tourism corporation had appointed the consortium of CBT and Studio PoD who have developed a concept master plan for Islands 1 (792 acres) and 3 (515 acres).
The Chief Minister Mr. N. Chandrababu Naidu has met with the AP tourism, culture and heritage board on Thursday in the Secretariat. He accepted the invitation to lay the foundation of Sheraton Hotel in Vijayawada. NAC Hospitality submitted their design and proposal for the 5-star hotel and requested him to attend the Bhumi Puja and foundation stone laying ceremony on March 1.
The islands will be developed with different themes and functions like entertainment (amusement park), culture centre, heritage centre and a nature reserve. The Chief Minister instructed presenters to study the world’s best island tourism destination. He asked them to study the footfall, viability and promotional activities. “In the local context, cultural change will be in India and try to come up with localised things to promote,” he said.
He wants island tourism to be developed thoroughly and innovative ideas to be presented. and implemented. Training in soft skills & hospitality and constant feedback from guests is very essential to build the tourism quotient of the state, he said. An international convention centre, a 5-star hotel, a resort with a golf course and a helipad was proposed to be introduced in Madhurawada, Vizag. A 240 acre hill will be converted into an integrated tourist destination, and will have a green area, roads, rural craft village, family entertainment centre and an area for future extension. The Chief Minister asked officials to plan the next few steps and ensure that many hotels are constructed in that area.
