Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct. 15: A delegation of the Andaman Nicobar Tour Operators Association (ANTOA) met the Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Prof. (Dr.) Dinesh Sharma, on October 15 to discuss key issues concerning the tourism industry and seek measures to promote tourism development across the islands.
During the approximately 45-minute meeting, the delegation raised several concerns, including high airfares, limited flight connectivity, industry status for tourism, simplified registration procedures for tour operators, financial assistance for local entrepreneurs and infrastructure development. The Lieutenant Governor heard the delegation’s concerns and discussed various suggestions put forward by the Association.
ANTOA President Mr. Simson said the Association’s primary objective was to ensure that tourism development benefits local residents, young people, small business owners and rural communities, alongside tourism enterprises.
The delegation requested an increase in flight services between the islands and major cities across India to improve accessibility and address concerns over high airfares. The possibility of introducing night flights from Sri Vijaya Puram and developing international air connectivity was also discussed. The Lieutenant Governor acknowledged the importance of improved connectivity and stated that efforts would be made to raise the issues of flight frequency and connectivity during his proposed meeting with the Prime Minister.
The Lieutenant Governor informed the delegation about plans to organise a conference involving Asian countries in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in December. ANTOA highlighted the potential of the proposed event to showcase the islands’ beaches, marine tourism, adventure activities and historical attractions to an international audience. The Association expressed hope that the conference would generate business opportunities and employment for local residents.
ANTOA urged the Administration to pursue formal industry status for the tourism sector in the islands. According to the Association, this recognition could improve access to bank loans, financial assistance and applicable government schemes, while encouraging investment in hotels, travel agencies and other tourism-related enterprises. The Lieutenant Governor took note of the demand and indicated that efforts would be made to pursue the matter.
The delegation proposed developing Wandoor Beach as a major tourism and recreational destination, with improved visitor facilities, planned infrastructure and suitable recreational and adventure activities. ANTOA said the development of the beach could attract more visitors, create business opportunities and generate additional employment for local residents.
Highlighting the difficulties associated with existing business registration procedures, ANTOA requested a single-window registration system for tour operators. The proposed mechanism, the Association said, would make the process simpler, transparent and time-bound, enabling eligible businesses to complete the required formalities more conveniently. The Lieutenant Governor informed the delegation that efforts were being made to simplify the process.
The delegation sought further development of Little Andaman as a tourism destination and proposed establishing a surfing school there. ANTOA stated that surfing and other adventure tourism activities could attract visitors while providing local youth with opportunities to acquire new skills and pursue employment in the tourism sector. The Lieutenant Governor took note of the proposal and indicated that efforts would be made to take the matter forward.
ANTOA stressed the need to promote rural tourism by showcasing local culture, traditional lifestyles, village experiences, natural attractions and locally produced goods. The Association said such initiatives could generate additional income for village communities and enable visitors to experience the islands beyond established tourist destinations. The Lieutenant Governor shared information regarding the applicable rural tourism guidelines and stated that domestic charges would apply in accordance with the prescribed rules.
The Association requested greater participation by the Administration and the Department of Tourism in major national tourism and travel trade fairs, including SATTE, OTM, IITM and TTF. It also sought opportunities for local tour operators and other tourism stakeholders to participate in these events. ANTOA said such platforms could help island-based businesses establish contacts with travel agents, tour operators and industry partners from across the country, thereby expanding their market reach.
The delegation highlighted the need to facilitate access to bank loans and financial assistance for local youth interested in establishing tourism-related businesses. These could include hotels, homestays, travel agencies, adventure tourism ventures and other visitor services. ANTOA also called for simpler and time-bound procedures for obtaining permissions and completing business formalities, stating that improved access to finance could encourage self-employment and strengthen local participation in the tourism economy.
The delegation also raised concerns regarding licensing and other tourism-related arrangements at Ross Island and Cellular Jail. It requested a review and simplification of the relevant procedures to ensure smoother operations of tourism services and a better visitor experience. The Lieutenant Governor took note of the issues raised, with further action subject to the decisions of the concerned departments and applicable rules.
Infrastructure development and road connectivity across the islands also featured in the discussions. The Lieutenant Governor showed the delegation proposed road routes and bridge development plans on a map. The discussion covered Marine Drive and possible connectivity improvements and coastal development in areas including Mini Bay, Mithakhari, Hathi Tapu, Dundas Point, Shore Point and Kadakchang. The delegation highlighted the importance of improved road connectivity in making different areas more accessible, supporting tourism activities and creating opportunities for local businesses and residents.
At the conclusion of the meeting, ANTOA President Mr. Simson thanked the Lieutenant Governor for giving time to the delegation and listening to the Association’s concerns.
Expressing his views, Mr. Simson said, “We thank the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor for giving us approximately 45 minutes to discuss the issues facing the tourism industry in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. We were able to present our concerns and suggestions on several important matters.
“Our aim is to see tourism grow in a way that benefits the people of these islands. Better connectivity, support for local entrepreneurs, simpler business procedures and more tourism opportunities can make a real difference to local youth, small businesses and rural communities.
“We look forward to working with the Administration and the concerned departments on these issues. ANTOA will continue to raise the concerns of the tourism industry and work towards tourism development across the islands.”
The delegation comprised Mr. Simson, President; Mr. Soma Sundaram, Vice President; Mr. R. Rajiv Kumar, General Secretary; Mr. Barun Roy, Treasurer; and Mr. Sumit Kumar Haldar, Executive Member of ANTOA.
Mr. Simson also thanked the delegation members and the wider Association membership for their cooperation and support, stating that ANTOA would continue to collectively represent the concerns of tour operators and other tourism stakeholders before the Administration.
The meeting covered a wide range of issues affecting tourism businesses and local communities, from air connectivity and business registration to rural tourism, adventure activities, financial assistance and infrastructure development. ANTOA reiterated its commitment to working with the Administration and concerned departments to promote tourism while creating greater opportunities for local youth, entrepreneurs and communities across the islands.
