Suryalanka Set for Rs.98-crore Global Tourism Push as Bay of Bapatla
Minister Durgesh says the state government is focusing on developing Suryalanka as a preferred destination for film shootings and coastal tourism.
Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh government has unveiled an ambitious ₹98-crore plan to transform Suryalanka Beach in Bapatla district into an international tourism destination under the centre’s Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme.
Tourism and Cinematography minister Kandula Durgesh on Tuesday said at the same time, the state government is focusing on developing Suryalanka as a preferred destination for film shootings and coastal tourism.
Speaking during an inspection of the ongoing tourism development works at Suryalanka Beach, along with Revenue minister Anagani Satya Prasad, Durgesh said the beach is being branded as the “Bay of Bapatla” to enhance its national and international visibility.
Durgesh said the project envisages a grand welcome arch, camping facilities, an approach road with a cycling track, street lighting, cobblestone walkways, a tourist information centre, an administrative building, landscaping, seating arrangements, water sports facilities, and an 11 KV solar power system.
Advanced waste management infrastructure is being developed as part of the eco-friendly tourism initiative.
The ministers performed bhoomi puja for various works and launched branding activities for the beach. He directed officials and contractors to complete the project on a war footing as per the blueprint without compromising on quality.
As part of adventure tourism promotion, Durgesh inaugurated jet ski rides organised by Blue Wave Adventures and personally participated in the activity.
Highlighting the role of cinema tourism, the minister asked filmmakers shooting in Andhra Pradesh’s scenic locations to mention the names of those places in movie subtitles to improve destination branding and attract visitors.
“Whenever movies feature places like Suryalanka, their locations in subtitles will give them wider publicity. Audiences will be able to identify the locales and visit them,” Durgesh said.
Citing the example of Maredumilli, where portions of the blockbuster film Pushpa had been shot, the minister said the area witnessed a sharp rise in tourist inflow after gaining cinematic exposure.
Durgesh said the coalition government under Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan has granted industry status to tourism projects. He said the 2024–2029 Tourism Policy offers incentives, including land allotment, SGST reimbursement, and electricity tariff concessions to investors.
According to the minister, the government has attracted nearly ₹20,000 crore in tourism investments during the last 18 months. He said efforts are underway to secure the prestigious Blue Flag certification for Suryalanka Beach and to establish star hotels and resorts through public-private partnerships.
Speaking on the occasion, minister Satya Prasad said the state government is promoting tourism under the slogan “Happy and Healthy Andhra Pradesh” by organising festivals and carnivals that boost tourist inflow and improve the state’s visibility as a major travel destination.