Sri Vijaya Puram, November 3: The Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO) has expressed serious concern over the repeated last-minute cancellations of SpiceJet flights operating to and from the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, stating that such practices are adversely affecting the tourism industry and damaging the reputation of the Islands as a tourist destination.
The tourism industry of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands is already facing considerable challenges due to persistently high airfares. The sudden cancellation of flights at the last moment has further aggravated the situation, causing immense inconvenience to tourists and tourism stakeholders alike.
Tourists visiting the Islands make their travel plans well in advance and complete their bookings for hotels, cruises, transportation, sightseeing and other tourism-related activities. Unexpected flight cancellations disrupt their entire travel itinerary, resulting in financial losses, inconvenience and disappointment.
Such incidents not only affect individual tourists but also create a negative impression of Andaman tourism, potentially discouraging future visitors and adversely impacting the livelihoods of thousands of people dependent on the tourism sector.
AATO has stated that this is not an isolated incident, as similar cancellations have been taking place repeatedly in this sector. The Association has previously taken up this matter with the concerned authorities, seeking a lasting solution to the issue.
In this regard, AATO President Mr. M. Vinod has made a humble appeal to the Lieutenant Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, seeking his kind intervention and guidance to address the recurring problem.
While appreciating the visionary leadership of the Lieutenant Governor and the continuous efforts of the Administration towards promoting and developing tourism in the Islands, AATO has expressed concern that the repeated last-minute cancellations by SpiceJet are undermining these efforts and creating a negative perception among tourists.
AATO has earnestly requested the Lieutenant Governor to kindly look into the matter and facilitate appropriate action through the concerned authorities to ensure greater accountability by the airline, minimise last-minute cancellations and provide suitable alternative arrangements and relief to affected passengers in accordance with applicable regulations.
The Association has expressed its firm belief that, under the able leadership and guidance of the Lieutenant Governor, an appropriate and effective solution can be achieved in the larger interest of the tourism industry and the people of the Islands.
AATO remains hopeful that the matter will receive the kind attention of the Administration and that necessary steps will be taken to protect the interests of tourists, tourism stakeholders and the overall image of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands as a leading tourism destination.
