Port Blair, Sep 18: The President, Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO), Mr M Vinod has shared various grievances of travel agents, tour operators and other related service providers and demanded for quick solutions hindering the tourism industry.
In a letter addressed to Lt. Governor, the President, AATO, Mr. Vinod highlighted issues related to Closure of ATR Road and introducing sea route for Baratang. Mr. Vinod said that the livelihood of the stake holders will definitely be affected as hundreds of unemployed youths who have purchased tourist vehicle through bank loan use to drive their vehicles on Baratang route for their livelihood.
He further said that everybody is aware of the shortage of Govt. ferries in the present day and it is difficult to believe that Govt. which is short of boats will operate boats for Baratang.
Introduction of boat service will definitely create chaos among the visiting tourist who will not be able to visit Baratang due to shortage of boats.
Mr. Vinod further said Introduction of passenger service fee by the port management board of Rs 50/-and Rs 20/-per port from every tourist which comes around Rs 200/-as an extra burden for every tourist, as all the tour operators have already confirmed the rates to the guest, addition of this charges will bring a bad reputation to the tourism industry.
Mr Vinod further said that AATO has already requested for exemption through a letter Dated 1st and 14th August 2017.
He also requested to Improve and provide clean and basic amenities like toilet, changing room, life guard etc., in all the tourist spots. Also whether any agency has taken a complete stock of the situation and ensured these facilities for tourists at all tourist locations in islands? Due to lack of basic amenities the tour operators are already facing embarrassment spoiling the name of the islands.
Shortage of Ferry services in inter island sector during peak tourist season for Neil and Havelock islands, but due to reasons unknown only small boats are been operated by Govt. during peak season, also for Havelock sector previously DSS was plying a boat from Havelock to Neil which is also stopped due to unknown reasons, Mr. Vinod said.
Lastly, he stated that Mr. Vinod said there is a Lack of Coordination between Administration and Stake Holders for which a coordination committee of Stakeholders should be made active and has requested participation of LG in all such meetings for the development of Tourism.
He has further demanded intervention of Lt. Governor in the issues to make sure the tourism industry gets streamlined.
