The tranquil districts of Vizianagaram and Srikakulam are on the cusp of a major transformation. With the highly anticipated international airport at Bhogapuram set to begin operations by June 2026, a significant increase in pilgrims and tourists is expected. Strategically located on National Highway 16, just 40 km from Srikakulam town, this new air hub is positioned to unlock immense potential for the region.
As World Tourism Day approaches, tourism officials are highlighting the profound benefits this air connectivity will bring. N. Narayana Rao, a Srikakulam tourism officer, emphasized that the airport will be a boon for Srikakulam district’s diverse attractions. These include historical gems like the Mahashiva temple of Srimukhalingam, the Vishnu temple at Srikurmam, and the revered Arasavalli Sun God temple. Beyond spiritual sites, the district boasts beautiful beaches at Mogadalapadu and Kalingapatnam, alongside enchanting natural retreats such as the Telineelapuram bird sanctuary and ancient Buddhist sites at Dantapuri and Salihundam. Narayana Rao underscored the critical role of quality accommodation, noting that new hotels emerging along the Srikakulam-Bhogapuram route will significantly bolster the tourism sector.
In anticipation of this heightened demand, local entrepreneurs are already channeling investments into the hospitality sector. Projections indicate that at least eight new hotels are slated to open along the Srikakulam-Bhogapuram corridor within the next two years.
G. Srinivasa Rao, President of the Andhra Pradesh State Hotels Association and Managing Director of Hotel Maruthi, confirmed that five new hotels are expected to dot the landscape in and around the Bhogapuram airport. He noted that several leading hotel groups have secured government approvals for new establishments near NH-16, between Visakhapatnam and Srikakulam. This surge in development is a positive indicator for the region’s hospitality and tourism sectors. Srinivasa Rao further explained that airports typically drive higher footfalls and maintain room occupancies exceeding 75% for nearby hotels, signaling substantial future investment in this area.
Vizianagaram MP Kalisetti Appalanaidu echoed these sentiments, affirming that the new airport will energize the district’s tourism and hospitality industries. He stated that the construction of new hotels and resorts will stimulate economic activity and create valuable livelihood opportunities for local communities, simultaneously fostering rapid development in the transport sector. Additionally, Vizianagaram, renowned for its heritage structures, majestic forts, and ancient temples, is set to captivate an even greater number of visitors once the airport is fully operational.