Vikramaditya & Savita Kumari
Port Blair, Aug 03: In view of the steady decline in cases of COVID-19 in Andaman Nicobar Islands an order has been issued by Director of Tourism Department today regarding reopening of all Tourism activities in South Andaman and North Middle Andaman District from today.
This order has brought a ray of hope for thousands of people, who are directly and indirectly dependent on Tourism for livelihood.
However, the reopening is subjected to the fulfillment of all advisory and SOP’S like General Advisory, SOP’s for COVID-19 Testing for Tourist coming to Andaman Islands, SOP’s for opening of Light & Sound Show at National Memorial Cellular Jail, SOP’s for opening of Light & Sound Show at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Islands, SOPs for opening of beaches in South Andaman and North & Middle Andaman District except Nicobar District, SOPs for opening of Museums, SOPs for opening of Snorkeling and Boat Rides and SOP’s for opening of Scuba Diving and Sea Walk, Sea Kart, Jet Ski and Parasailing Activity.
According to the release any other orders or advisories issued by Govt. of India, A&N Administration or any other Competent Authority will also have to be followed, as applicable.
People associated with Tourism Industry however know that this order will not bring big fortune for Andaman Tourism overnight, but this a commendable step to begin with, as it brings hopes to thousands of families and Andaman Tourism can finally prepare for the coming Tourism Season.
But the major hurdle will be soaring airfare and the expected 3rd wave of COVID-19 for which Administration and all stake holders of Andaman Tourism will have to plan things together.
