Tourism Grows, But Infrastructure Lags Behind at Andhra Pradesh Tourist Destinations

Despite a steady rise in tourist arrivals across Andhra Pradesh, basic infrastructure at many popular tourist destinations remains inadequate. Visitors continue to face difficulties due to the lack of drinking water facilities, clean toilets, changing rooms, shelters, and recreational amenities. Apart from development works undertaken at Gandikota and the Akhanda Godavari project with central government funding of ₹172.35 crore under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, little progress has been made in improving facilities at several tourism locations across the state.

Many major tourist attractions are struggling with poor maintenance and insufficient amenities. Bhavani Island in Vijayawada suffers from outdated boats, damaged recreational facilities, and a lack of proper upkeep. Tourists visiting Papikondalu, Dindi Resorts, and Horsley Hills also face challenges due to poor infrastructure, inadequate water supply, and deteriorating roads. Out of 200 identified tourist destinations, only 25 have basic visitor facilities, while nearly 70 percent of the state's 266 beaches lack essential amenities. Tourism department hotels and resorts are also facing criticism for poor maintenance and outdated services, highlighting the urgent need for investment and modernization in the tourism sector.