Godavari Declaration to be unveiled on World Tourism Day, says minister

Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh. | Photo credit: File photo

Culture and Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh on Saturday announced that the ‘Godavari Declaration’ will be unveiled during the World Tourism Day celebrations to be held in Rajamahendravaram on Sunday. The celebrations are called ‘The Godavari Calls’.

The Godavari Declaration aims to promote tourism, explore the tourism potential of the region and harness digital transformation in tourism promotion and services, Mr. Durgesh said.

Boat services between Kakinada and Hope Island would be resumed, with the government looking to explore the tourism potential of the Godavari mangroves off the coast of Kakinada. Cruise ship services to Hope Island have been suspended following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hotel rooms

Meanwhile, East Godavari District Joint Collector Y. Megha Swaroop, in a review meeting with hotel managements in Rajamahendravaram, directed them to reserve 60% of their rooms for VIPs and officials during Godavari Pushkarams-2027.

“Hotels will not be able to take advance room bookings for June and July next year. The government will announce the room tariffs soon,” said Mr. Megha Swaroop.

A special committee comprising representatives of hotels and officials will be constituted to coordinate arrangements with the government during the Godavari Pushkarams, he said.

Published – 26 Sep 2026 20:46 IST