Visakha Lighthouses Shine as Global Tourist Hubs: Lighthouse Festival 2026 Kicks Off!

• The 'Lighthouse Festival 2026' grandly commenced on the Visakha coast, inaugurated by former Vice President Shri Muppavarapu Venkaiah Naidu.
• India aims to transform 205 lighthouses along its 11,000 km coastline into tourist centers, moving beyond just navigation.
• The number of tourist lighthouses nationwide has increased from 6 to 75, boosting tourist footfall from 4 lakh to 20 lakh.
• Andhra Pradesh boasts 17 lighthouses, with 10 already developed into international-level tourist centers.
• Visakhapatnam hosts the festival after Goa (2023) and Puri (2024), featuring mega carnivals, handicraft exhibitions, and cultural programs.

Why It Matters: Lighthouse Festival 2026 transforms Visakha's lighthouses into international tourist destinations, boosting coastal economy.