Visakhapatnam: District collectors from Visakhapatnam, Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) and Anakapalli showcased investment opportunities at the Vizag regional investors meet, highlighting the region's potential as an emerging tourism and industrial hub.
Visakhapatnam collector Harendhira Prasad emphasized the city's strong infrastructure, including the Blue Flag-certified Rushikonda Beach and the upcoming Bhogapuram Airport planned for mid-2026. He noted recent investments by hospitality groups like Oberoi and Mayfair, demonstrating investor confidence in the region. The city's development plans include an international cruise terminal and caravan tourism initiatives, complemented by its existing international airport and two major ports, he said.
He also highlighted the city's rich cultural heritage, featuring Buddhist sites like Thotlakonda and Hindu pilgrimage destinations such as Simhachalam. These sites are being actively promoted to Southeast Asian nations to boost cultural tourism.
ASR District collector Dinesh Kumar underscored the region's natural beauty and cultural richness, positioning Araku Valley and Lambasingi as prime eco-tourism and wellness destinations. He noted that Araku Valley is surrounded by lush greenery, waterfalls and coffee plantations that provide immersive experiences for tourists through visits to tribal villages and participation in cultural festivals.
Lambasingi is often referred to as the "Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh" due to its unique climate and eco-friendly wellness offerings.
He also highlighted the district's tribal tourism potential, noting that it is home to 13 unique tribal groups known for their vibrant traditions. He emphasized the globally recognized Arabica coffee from Araku, which adds a distinctive flavour to its tourism offerings, with plans for farm-to-table experiences showcasing tribal culinary traditions already in progress.
The collector revealed that the region is also focusing on adventure tourism by leveraging its scenic landscapes for activities like trekking and camping. Cultural festivals such as the Modakondama Festival are anticipated to attract tourists year-round.
Anakapalli collector Vijaya Krishnan presented her district as an emerging hub for beachfront and tribal tourism with pristine beaches offering vast opportunities for resorts and adventure tourism. She noted that Anakapalli has around 80 acres of government land available for development, making it an attractive prospect for investment. She remarked that unlike established brands that may have peaked, Anakapalli provides fresh investment opportunities.
As an industrial hub with a thriving pharmaceutical sector and a workforce exceeding 100,000 people, Anakapalli presents a strong consumer base for local tourism ventures. Tribal tourism initiatives supported by coffee processing plants further diversify the district’s offerings, she noted.
