Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct 06: A delegation of the Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO) led by President Mr. M. Vinod met the Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and discussed various issues concerning the tourism industry and the future development of tourism in the Islands. The delegation comprised General Secretary Mr. Saikat Biswas, Vice President Mr. Navneeth, Treasurer Mr. Dinesh Singh and Organising Secretary Mr. Rafique.
The delegation submitted a detailed representation highlighting the challenges being faced by the tourism industry, with high airfares and limited flight capacity being identified as the most immediate concern. AATO requested the Administration to explore measures to increase flight capacity and reduce fares, including the possibility of facilitating chartered flight operations, similar to services operated earlier for island residents. The Association also sought exploration of appropriate airfare support mechanisms and urged efforts towards establishing direct international air connectivity, which would open new international markets and strengthen inbound tourism to the Islands.
AATO also urged the Administration to accord Industry Status to Tourism and proposed the constitution of a Tourism Advisory Committee with participation from the tourism industry to facilitate regular Government–Industry consultation on tourism policies, connectivity, infrastructure, regulations and destination development. The Association stressed the need for stronger destination marketing to attract international visitors and high-spending domestic tourists, including greater participation in major tourism trade fairs such as SATTE and OTM and other national and international tourism exhibitions.
The delegation proposed positioning Andaman & Nicobar as an “All-Season Destination”, replacing the traditional “off-season” approach with a focused Monsoon Tourism strategy. AATO suggested that the Department of Tourism facilitate FAM tours for social media influencers, travel bloggers, content creators and media during the monsoon, with AATO assuring full support in rganizing and coordinating such initiatives. The Association also proposed appointing a prominent Tourism Brand Ambassador for Andaman & Nicobar to strengthen the destination’s national and international visibility.
The delegation further highlighted the need to develop and open new tourism destinations, subject to environmental, wildlife, security and carrying-capacity considerations, citing Tarmugli, Mahuadera and Inglis Island as potential areas for evaluation. Developing new destinations would help decongest existing popular tourist spots while offering new experiences to repeat visitors.
AATO also highlighted the need for a dedicated boat repair and maintenance facility, noting that more than 1,500 inland vessel boats operate in the Islands without a designated facility with basic infrastructure such as water and electricity. The delegation also stressed the need for greater investment in tourism skill development, including training for water sports operators, boat crews, scuba divers and hospitality professionals, along with the introduction of tourism-related courses at institutions such as JNRM, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Institute of Technology/Polytechnic and ITI.
The delegation proposed an integrated “Andaman 365” strategy to promote the Islands as a year-round, high-value and sustainable tourism destination through better connectivity, destination marketing, monsoon tourism, new tourism circuits, adventure, marine, nature, wellness and educational tourism.
AATO reiterated its commitment to working closely with the Administration and extending its full cooperation in destination promotion, FAM tours, tourism trade fairs, skill development and other initiatives aimed at strengthening the tourism sector and creating greater opportunities for the people of the Islands.
The delegation expressed its gratitude to the Lieutenant Governor for giving the tourism industry an opportunity to present its concerns and suggestions and for the constructive interaction on the future of tourism in Andaman & Nicobar.
