Port Blair, July 25: Stakeholders of the tourism industry slammed the UT administration for some of its unilateral policy decisions claiming that it would adversely impact the sector in these islands. Various associations in the tourism industry held a joint conference on Wednesday during which representatives highlighted a number of issues calling upon the administration to involve stakeholders in policy decisions for holistic development of tourism in these islands.
Addressing scribes, the President of Andaman Association of Tour Operators, Mr M Vinod criticized the administration for not involving the tourism stakeholders during crucial meetings held by NITI Aayog in these islands. As per reports in the local media, a team of NITI Aayog holds meetings here at regular intervals to review the progress of developing six new islands for tourism. However, the existing ones are closed for the past three to four months and the administration has paid no heed to it. The administration never bothered to arrange for interaction of NITI Aayog members with tourism stakeholders and PRIs. If was deliberately not done as the administration is wary that its lackadaisical approach towards development of tourism will stand exposed. The administration preaches that Cellular Jail is a historical site and should be used for commercial gains whereas it itself hiked the rates of Sound and Light Shows conducted there in a partial manner. All these are proof that there is absolutely no coordination between different divisions of the administration,” he claimed.
The President of Small Boat Association, Mr Joti Rajan too claimed lack of coordination between government departments working in the tourism sector. Despite huge scope in the adventure water sports segment, we noticed that lack of coordination always plays spoilsport. If Port Management Board agrees to a proposal, the Tourism Department takes a negative stand and it appears that there is serious ego clash between the two agencies. Being the backbone of the economy of these islands, the top brass of the administration should take decisive steps to fast track tourism development here. Multiple charges should not be given to IAS and DANICS offices and the opinion of stakeholders, who play a pivotal role, should be taken seriously, he opined.
During the meeting, the stakeholders demanded withdrawal of enhanced rate for Light & Sound Show, involvement of Director General of Shipping in policy decisions pertaining to tourism sector, declaration of Inland Vessel (I.V.) areas, identification of new islands for tourism, extension to the period of plying of existing boats under IV rules, withdrawal of General Purpose (GP) Rating for Small Boats, development of basic tourism infrastructure, introduction of Tourist Guide facility, permit for tourist vehicles, suspension of restriction to visit / stay at Ross Islands between 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm, expanding Sunset tourism, identification of new destinations, conduct of Live Music shows, Setting up of Single Window system for issues of permits, registration for tourism related activities, deploying MV Coral Queen thrice a week to Havelock, immediate implementation of Tourist Trade Policy Regulation, posting of full-time Secretary-cum-Director in the Tourism Department and larger participation of stakeholders in policy making processes.
