Archive · 18 Dec 2025
Andhra Pradesh Boosts Tourism with Energy Efficiency and Luxury Cruises
Andhra Pradesh is doing two big things to make tourism better.
First, they have a plan to use less energy in tourist places, starting with a project in Araku in 2026.
This will save energy and create jobs.
Second, they are adding super fancy boats for tourists to ride on rivers and backwaters.
These boats will have nice rooms and places for big meetings or dinners.
The boats will be ready by 2026 and will be in Vijayawada and Bapatla.
The government is also looking at other places for more boat services.
All these changes are to make tourism in Andhra Pradesh more fun and better for the environment.
Andhra Pradesh Tourism has a five-year strategic roadmap focusing on energy efficiency and economic growth.
The state signed an MoU with EESL to integrate energy-efficient solutions in tourism infrastructure.
A pilot project in Araku will start in January 2026, using Air Source Heat Pump systems for energy savings.
The initiative aims to create 25,000 jobs and develop Visakhapatnam and Araku as global destinations.
Andhra Pradesh is introducing ultra-luxury cruise boats in Vijayawada and Bapatla, operational by October 2026.
- Who
- Andhra Pradesh Tourism department, Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), private operators
- What
- Integration of energy-efficient solutions in tourism infrastructure and introduction of ultra-luxury cruise boats
- When
- January 2026 for the pilot project, October 2026 for luxury boats, 2024–2029 for the strategic roadmap
- Where
- Andhra Pradesh, with a focus on Araku, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Bapatla
- Why
- To attract investments, adopt global energy-efficient technologies, boost economic growth, mitigate climate change, and ensure public participation, and to enhance tourism experiences with luxury cruises
Energy Efficiency Focus
Luxury Tourism Expansion
Project Goals
Energy Efficiency Focus
Focus on energy efficiency and economic growth through sustainable tourism infrastructure.
Luxury Tourism Expansion
Introduction of ultra-luxury cruise boats to attract tourists and boost the tourism sector.
Implementation
Energy Efficiency Focus
Pilot project in Araku starting January 2026 with Air Source Heat Pump systems.
Luxury Tourism Expansion
Five ultra-luxury boats to be operational by October 2026 in Vijayawada and Bapatla.
Economic Impact
Energy Efficiency Focus
Aims to create 25,000 jobs and develop Visakhapatnam and Araku as global destinations.
Luxury Tourism Expansion
Private operators will invest in and manage the luxury cruise boats, potentially creating new job opportunities.
- Minister
- Kandula Durgesh
- Strategic Roadmap Duration
- 2024–2029
- MoU Partner
- Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL)
- Pilot Project Location
- Araku
- Project Start Date
- January 2026
- Expected Energy Savings
- 50–70 per cent annually
- Expected CO2 Emissions Reduction
- 300 tonnes annually
- Expected Jobs
- 25,000
- Hotel Rooms Planned in AP
- One-third of 11,272 nationwide in 2025–26
- Luxury Boats Locations
- Vijayawada Berm Park and Suryalanka Beach backwaters
- Boat Operational Date
- October 2026
- Boat Features
- Five bedrooms, conference hall, and dinner facilities