Sheekha Bureau
Port Blair, Dec 20: Rubbishing all the speculations about Andaman Tourism Industry’s silent objection over opening of alternate sea route to Baratang Island, the Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO).
Today welcomed the move of Andaman and Nicobar Administration to nearly completing the task of creating an alternative sea route to Baratang Island.
Talking to Andaman Sheekha the President of AATO today said that the AATO welcomes the move. “Infact I think that such move will only improve the image of Andaman Tourism, which has suffered a hit in International Level due to wrong publicity of some selected NGOs,” Mr. Vinod said.
According to AATO, the wrong propaganda of some NGOs with vested interest about Andaman Tour Operators promoting so called ‘Human Safari’ with automatically fall flat once this alternate sea route is opened.
“Infact the journey to Baratang through the beautiful creeks of the area will attract more tourists. Adding to this the journey time to Baratang and cost will also reduce,” the AATO president said.
According to AATO if this alternate sea route is opened, the ferry will not ply from Port Blair to Baratang but also to other nearby Islands like Kadamtala, Rangat and Long Island. “Thus the Long Island tourism will also get a much needed boost,” he said.
But AATO, which is presently protesting against sudden increase in fiber boat fare from Rs. 450 to Rs. 600 and is also unhappy with Administration for the silence, feels that Administration might not open the sea route very soon, even it is ready.
“We feel that Administration has a very soft corner for Boat Operators and the Administration will not take any steps, which might hit the business of boat operators of Baratang region,” Mr. Vinod added.
