Visakhapatnam Lok Sabha Member of Parliament Mr Mathukumilli Sribharat is on a 3-day tour to Singapore wherein he is undertaking a study to explore opportunities for strengthening tourism in Visakhapatnam, with a focus on sustainable growth, global best practices, and advanced visitor experiences.
As part of his tour, he visited Sentosa Island, Singapore’s premier tourist destination known for its beaches, entertainment hubs, and innovative infrastructure that attracts millions of visitors annually.
As per an official release from the MP’s office Mr. Sribharat was given a detailed briefing by the Sentosa management on the island’s development journey and the strategies that made it a global benchmark for tourism.
Officials explained key performance indicators that drive growth, including diversified attractions, international festivals, enhanced user experiences, and strict enforcement of safety and quality measures.
During discussions, the MP also explored the potential to integrate AI into tourism and safety management in Visakhapatnam, noting that technology-driven models can enhance both operational efficiency and visitor satisfaction.
The meeting also centred on Singapore’s sustainable tourism policies, with particular attention to eco-tourism, adherence to Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) standards, waste management, water conservation, and rainwater harvesting.
Mr. Sribharat highlighted the need to adapt such practices for Visakhapatnam, where natural attractions like RK Beach and Kailasagiri could be transformed into world-class hubs while ensuring environmental responsibility.
The Sentosa team presented their Sensory Scape Project, which leverages Virtual Reality (VR) to craft immersive tourist experiences. They also shared the challenges faced during its execution and the lessons learned in balancing innovation with sustainability.
Sharing details about Visakhapatnam’s unique landscape, Mr. Sribharat emphasized the city’s potential to host global-scale events, boost eco-tourism, and become a maritime and cultural hub in Asia.
He further stressed the importance of adopting a holistic approach that combines infrastructure development with sustainable measures to attract both domestic and international tourists.
The MP said that the insights gained from the Sentosa model would play an important role in shaping strategies to project Vizag as a global tourism destination.