Andhra Pradesh to unveil Godavari tourism plan and resume Hope Island boating

Andhra Pradesh will unveil a tourism policy document known as the Godavari Declaration during World Tourism Day celebrations in Rajamahendravaram on Sunday, Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh said. The celebrations are titled “The Godavari Calls”. Durgesh said the declaration would promote tourism, examine the region’s potential and use digital transformation to improve tourism promotion and services.

The government also plans to resume boating services between Kakinada and Hope Island. The services stopped after the COVID-19 pandemic, and officials now want to explore the tourism potential of the Godavari mangroves off the Kakinada coast. Preparations are also under way for the Godavari Pushkarams in 2027.

East Godavari District Joint Collector Y. Megha Swaroop told hotel managers in Rajamahendravaram that 60% of hotel rooms would have to be reserved for VIPs and officials during the event. Swaroop said hotels would not be allowed to accept advance room bookings for June and July next year.

The government will announce room tariffs, he said. A special committee made up of hotel representatives and officials will coordinate arrangements with the government, according to the joint collector. The material does not specify the number of expected visitors or the final operating dates for the boating service.

The announcement links tourism promotion with preparations for a major religious and cultural event. It also indicates that room availability and pricing will be managed through government coordination, although further details have not been provided.