Kakinada:World Tourism Day was observed in the East and West Godavari districts on Friday, with the department conducting several competitions for students in the sector. During the World Tourism Day celebrations at Adikavi Nannayya University near Rajanagaram in East Godavari, District collector P. Prashanthi stated that the tourism sector would enhance the living conditions of the people and provide both direct and indirect employment opportunities. She emphasised that tourism plays a vital role in strengthening economic activities in the state as well as in the country.
She noted that some areas would be developed according to their socio-economic and cultural activities, and tourism would greatly benefit such regions. Prashanthi highlighted the special significance of various attractions, including the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, Dasara celebrations in Maharashtra and West Bengal, bullfights in Karnataka, Godavari Pushkaralu in Rajamahendravaram, boat rides and the elephant festival in Kerala, the Clean City initiative in Indore, and natural farming in Sikkim, mentioning the tourism potential in these locations.
The development of the tourism sector is expected to significantly enhance various fields, such as the service sector, employment, infrastructure, and other facilities. She urged the public to participate in developing East Godavari as a tourism hub, adding that the district administration is preparing plans to achieve this goal. University Vice-Chancellor Y. Srinivas, Tourism Regional Director V. Swamy Naidu, and others were present. A total of 61 students showcased cultural programmes. Kesuravya, Keerthika, and Sindhu secured first, second, and third prizes respectively in essay writing. V. Charan, Venkata Pavan, E. Suresh, and Ch. Esteru Rani received first, second, and third prizes respectively in photography, while B. V. Venkata Charan, B. Soumya Deepika, and K. Siva Sankar were awarded first, second, and third prizes respectively in videography.
World Tourism Day celebrations were also held at S.K.S.D Women’s College in Tanuku under the supervision of District Tourism Officer K. S. Prabhakara Rao. He highlighted that Perupalem Beach, the Pancharamas at Palakollu and Bhimavaram, and Godavari coastal areas like Narsapuram, Pedamallam, Yelamanchili Lanka, and Siddantham are the most suitable tourism spots in West Godavari District. He encouraged people to visit these significant locations.
In Eluru District, Tourism Day celebrations were held at the renowned devotional site of Dwaraka Tirumala. Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer Mr. Subba Rao stated that there are many notable Buddhist sites, as well as attractions like Kolleru, Polavaram, and Pattiseema.
