The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority has invited suggestions from the public and the hospitality sector on the optimal use of the Rushikonda buildings and adjoining land.
| Photo Credit: File photo
The Andhra Pradesh Star Hotels Association (ASHA) has suggested that international consulates be established in the Rushikonda buildings located at Yendada village in Visakhapatnam.
In a representation to Amrapali Kata, Chief Executive Officer of the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority (APTA), at a meeting with hospitality groups on Friday, the association members noted that a large number of people from Andhra Pradesh live in the United States and the United Arab Emirates. Establishing international consulates in Visakhapatnam, they said, would facilitate NRI services, boost business travel, and spur tourism growth.
They pointed out that States such as Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh do not have a U.S. consulate, and urged the government to position Visakhapatnam as a suitable location to fill this strategic gap.
ASHA also proposed that the Tourism Department adopt a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model with a revenue-sharing mechanism to invite reputed national and international hotel brands for long-term operations and maintenance. Transparent leasing models, they said, would help generate continuous revenue for the State and create local employment opportunities.
Further, the association suggested developing the site into a tourism hub by converting the buildings into a luxury beach resort and convention destination, complete with banquet halls, wedding venues, beachfront dining facilities, and water sports. They proposed allocating dedicated areas for Andhra cuisine food courts, craft haats, tribal art, and cultural performances to host beach festivals, food fairs, and international music events.
Meanwhile, members of Jana Vignana Vedika (JVV) urged that the Rushikonda complex be developed as a “Science, Technology, and Cultural Museum.”
In a representation to Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) Executive Officer Padmavathi, JVV vice-president K. Srinivas suggested that developing the Rushikonda Palace on the lines of the Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum in Bengaluru could make it an attractive national and international centre, enhancing Andhra Pradesh’s tourism profile.
He said such a museum could foster scientific curiosity and develop a spirit of inquiry among students and youth.
It may be noted that the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority has invited suggestions from the public and the hospitality sector on the optimal use of the Rushikonda buildings and adjoining land. The Authority is considering ideas related to tourism promotion, public-private partnerships, eco-tourism, hospitality ventures, cultural centres, and mixed-use models.
The Rushikonda buildings were redeveloped by the government as part of a phased plan to enhance coastal tourism infrastructure. Executed by the APTDC, the project was inaugurated in February 2024. The buildings are currently non-operational and incur a maintenance cost of about ₹25 lakh per month.
APTA officials said that eight parties have expressed interest so far and five detailed project reports (DPRs) have been received. All responses will be compiled and reviewed by a Group of Ministers before a final decision is taken.
Published – October 18, 2025 12:02 am IST
