APTDC to attract tourists for boat ride

Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) is facing a challenging task of attracting the tourists and increasing the revenue on boating in Krishna river.

There was drastic fall in tourists visiting Punnami Ghat, Berm Park and the Bhavani Island for many months since the death of 22 boat tourists at Pavitra Sangamam in a ghastly accident that occurred on November 12, 2017. 

After many months of struggle, the APTDC is gradually regaining confidence and trying to attract tourists and increase revenue on boating. In the first five months of this financial year 2018-19 from April to August, the department's Vijayawada division had earned Rs 58 lakh with average monthly income of Rs 11.60 lakh.

On the other hand, the sad memories of boat mishap are also gradually fading away among tourists. In the previous financial year 2017-18, the APTDC Vijayawada division earned Rs 1.81 crore with monthly average income of Rs 15 lakh. 

Most of the income was earned before the boat mishap only. Number of tourists visiting Berm Park and the Bhavani Island drastically declined since the mishap took place. During the financial year 2016-17, the Vijayawada division earned Rs 1.62 crore with average monthly income of Rs.13.50 lakh.

Boat accident was the biggest disappointing event as far as tourism is concerned in Vijayawada. After the mishap, the APTDC had faced many problems to attract the tourists. Now, the scenario is gradually changing in the past few months.

With a view to attract more tourists and increase revenue, the department has recently purchased 30-seat AC boat at a cost of Rs 1 crore, said Ch Srinivasa Rao, divisional manager, APTDC. He told The Hans India that order has been placed for another 50-seat boat to increase the fleet.

He said the APTDC is taking precautions for the safety of boat tourists in Krishna river. He said adequate life jackets are available with the APTDC and using them without fail during the boat ride. He said the SDRF and NDRF teams keep a vigil from morning to evening on Krishna river and all boats are in good condition.  

He said the department is trying to regain the confidence of the tourists and encouraging them for the boat ride in Krishna river. He further stated the department is taking the suggestions from the Irrigation department on the safety when the flood water levels are increased.

Boating in Krishnan river is one of the important sources of revenue for the APTDC in Vijayawada division comprising Krishna and Guntur districts. Keeping in view of the increasing number of tourists during the Dasara celebrations and subsequent Karthika Maasam, the department will take safety measures for boat tourists, said the divisional manager.