Vizag marks World Tourism Day with heritage walks, cultural festivities

Visakhapatnam observed World Tourism Day on Sunday with heritage walks and cultural events. The day began with a heritage walk through Old Town, followed by festivities at Dutt Island in Siripuram. Tourism officials discussed expanding water sports along the coastline and enhancing connectivity to destinations like Araku and Simhachalam.

The celebrations were attended by district officials, including Minister Dola Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy and Commissioner M. Abhishikth Kishore. The program featured cultural performances such as Dhimsa and Kuchipudi, attracting a significant youth turnout. Organized by the Department of Tourism, the event saw participation from various stakeholders, including the district administration, Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, and INTACH.

The evening included flash mobs, stalls, and a virtual reality experience. District Tourism Officer J. Madhavi emphasized that the day centered on free participation and community enjoyment. Long-term plans include the Bay City project, aimed at developing a 40-kilometer stretch of coastline, and scaling up water sports activities between RK Beach and Bheemili.

APTDC is also promoting package tours to Araku and temple sites, and has directed the corporation to hold weekly outreach activities.