Hotel brands check in at Bhogapuram

Hotel chains are developing resorts near the upcoming Bhogapuram airport boosting tourism prospects in coastal Andhra Pradesh.

In the last two weeks Thailand-based Minor Hotels and home-grown brand Mayfair Hotels have announced mixed use projects comprising resorts, residences and other facilities.

While Oberoi Hotels is already developing a resort in the region, Indian Hotels Company Ltd too is exploring opportunities for its midscale Ginger and other brands near the upcoming airport.

Minor Hotels has tied up with Sunray Resorts to introduce its upper upscale Avani + brand in India. The two groups signed a deal to launch 117 key resort near Bhogapuram airport at the Hotel Investment Conference South Asia event in Mumbai last week. Along side the resort, the project will also feature 58 branded residences and a golf course.

“ We are looking to open the resort in next 24-30 months. We see a huge potential as the upcoming airport will give traction to inbound travel,” said Vijay Krishnan-Vazhvelil, Vice President – operations (India), Minor Hotels.

Second property

This will be Minor Hotel’s second property in India following the recent launch of its 150 room Anantara Jewel Bagh hotel in Jaipur.

GMR group is developing the Bhogapuram airport which is situated around 44 kilometres from Visakhapatnam. Around 71 per cent of airport construction is complete and it is expected to be ready by June 2026, civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said in a X post last week.

Known for its beaches and temples the Visakhapatnam region contributed 24 per cent to Andhra Pradesh tourist inflow in 2023. “The upcoming Bhogapuram airport coupled with significant investments in hospitality and adventure tourism underscore Visakhapatnam’s potential as a prime destination for both leisure and business travellers,” consultancy JLL said in a report last October.

Naturally hotel chains are enthused. 

“We see Bhogapuram as a promising emerging destination, particularly with its proximity to the coastline, which lends itself well to beach tourism. We certainly view this as a potential investment opportunity and are actively exploring strategic locations around upcoming infrastructure projects like this one,” said – Rajesh Ranjan, senior vice president (development), Sarovar Hotels.

Radisson Hotel group views development of new airports as a key driver for unlocking hospitality potential of emerging destinations.

“ Our signings include Radisson Blu Hotel Ludhiana near the upcoming airport and Radisson Resort in Kevadia where a greenfield airport is being planned. These locations reflect our focus on expanding in high value markets. We continue to assess similar developments that align with our growth strategy and allow us to enhance our presence in emerging destinations,” said Nikhil Sharma, managing director and chief operating officer, Radisson Hotel Group, South Asia.

Published on April 16, 2025