The hospital sector in Visakhapatnam is set for a major expansion, with star hotels coming up across 15 locations along the stretch from Visakhapatnam to Bhogapuram. (File Photo)

Visakhapatnam: The hospital sector in Visakhapatnam is set for a major expansion, with star hotels coming up across 15 locations along the stretch from Visakhapatnam to Bhogapuram. Bheemili alone will host 12 of these hotels, according to MLA from the area Ganta Srinivasa Rao.

Industry representatives say the surge in development of hotels reflects Vizag city’s growing prominence and the need to align supply with the demand for hotel accommodation.
M.V. Pavan Kartheek, president of the Hotels and Restaurants Association of Andhra Pradesh (HRAAP), underlined that Visakhapatnam currently has about 2,600 rooms in the organised hotel sector, with occupancy levels averaging 70 per cent. Of these, star-classified hotels account for 1,800 rooms.
Pavan Kartheek underlined that the upcoming projects will meet strong demand from tourism, business, and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) sectors.
Andhra Pradesh tourism department has confirmed that the State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB) has approved 2,532 additional rooms, involving leading brands, such as Mayfair, Oberoi, Taj, ITC, Radisson, Hyatt Centric, Hilton Garden, Westin, and Crowne Plaza. These projects are at varying stages of development. Most of them will become operational in two to four years.
With the ASR International Airport at Bhogapuram expanding operations and the Visakhapatnam Economic Region (VER) gaining momentum, the port city is well-positioned to attract larger conferences, corporate events, exhibitions, and government programmes. The additional hotel capacity will be critical for hosting such gatherings, which often require substantial accommodation.
Additionally, Visakhapatnam is being projected as a destination wedding hub, given its coastline, cultural attractions, and improving connectivity. Leisure tourism, corporate travel, PSU and government business, IT-related travel, medical tourism, cruise tourism, and international arrivals are all seen as growth opportunities.
Attractions such as Araku Valley, Borra Caves, Lambasingi, and heritage sites are expected to enhance the city’s appeal and increase the average length of stay. Entry of reputed national and international hotel brands is expected to boost Visakhapatnam’s visibility and attract new customer segments.
Pavan Kartheek said HRAAP is working closely with government and stakeholders to promote tourism circuits, strengthen connectivity, and market the city as a premier destination.


Tags: