VISAKHAPATNAM: Keeping up with its reputation of being the City of Destiny or ‘Destination’ rather, especially for tourists, the district administration has lined up a slew of programmes on the occasion of World Tourism Day on September 27. Tourists and also denizens of the city have a bonanza of discounts and freebies at various tourist spots in the city.
Collector N Yuvaraj has directed the officials concerned to make all arrangements for celebrating the World Tourism Day across the city.
The officials planned special events including cultural programmes and the venue will be finalised in a day or two. It has been decided to organise cultural events at VUDA Park, Tenneti Park and Ramakrishna Beach in the evening.
The representatives of all star hotels in the city have agreed to give a straight discount of 15 per cent to customers on all foods and beverages. The officials also were asked to examine the feasibility of setting up food stalls and gift shops on the Beach Road to woo tourists. There will be free entry to the VUDA and Sivaji parks, Kailasagiri, Kursura Submarine Museum, Thotlakonda and Bavikonda apart from other tourist spots and parks maintained by the GVMC and VUDA.
The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) has agreed to offer 30 per cent discount on accommodation and food at all its restaurants and hotels in the district apart from operating special buses for exclusive tourism packages. The police have been requested to organise the performance of the police band on the Beach Road to entertain the visitors.
The education department is making arrangements to conduct elocution competitions for students on the theme of ‘Vizag Tourism’, while the officials of the tourism department have been asked to organise a photography competition and exhibition. Prizes for the winners will be distributed at the main event on September 27 evening.