Port Blair, Dec 24: The Association of Tour Operators (ATO) has urged for an urgent meeting between the administration and tourism service providers and stakeholders to decide on measures for effective development of the industry in these islands. In a letter to the Lt. Governor, the ATO President, Mr M Vinod said that the tour operators are trading losses due to non-operation of boats to Ross Island and North Bay from the Water Sports Complex for the last few days due to inclement weather conditions. Such weather condition will prevail in the days to come and the administration, instead of closing tourist operations should consider operating boats from either Chatham or Junglighat for the benefit of visitors in these islands, said Mr Vinod in his letter.
There is severe lack of coordination between the administration and stakeholders, as ATO feels, many issues can be sorted out if proper coordination exists between the two agencies. Issues can be discussed and an appropriate decision can be arrived at after a meeting in this regard is held, he said. Moreover, the administration also committed to opening up new destinations for tourism; but nothing has been actualized till date. Alternate destinations like Maua Dera at Wandoor, which was famous for its rich coral wealth, can be considered for tourism promotion. Disappointed after failing to visit many prominent sites, tourists has carrying back a bad name for the administration, he said pressing upon the Administrator to intervene and convene a meeting in this regard.
