Scorching heat, heatwave fears and soaring airfares are keeping tourists away from the scenic destinations of Visakhapatnam and Alluri Sitarama Raju District this summer. Usually crowded tourist hotspots are now wearing a deserted look, leaving tourism operators worried.
According to VMRDA officials, attractions like the TU-142 Aircraft Museum, INS Kurusura Submarine Museum and Kailasagiri Hill recorded a sharp fall in visitor numbers compared to last year. Officials said tourist turnout during the same period in 2025 was much higher.
The situation is no different in ASR district. Only around 400 tourists visited Borra Caves on Thursday, while the destination used to attract nearly 5,000 visitors a day last year. Tourism officials said hotel occupancy in AP Tourism hotels has dropped to nearly 50 percent.
Tour operators say the fall in tourist arrivals is also affecting food vendors, transport services and local businesses that depend heavily on tourism.
