Port Blair, May 29: The Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma has proposed introduction of Insurance Policy for Visiting Tourists to minimize losses suffered by tourism stakeholders and tourists for cancellation of flights or ferries.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary of Andaman and Nicobar Administration, the Member of Parliament mentioned that recent incidents of cancellation of several flights between Port Blair and Kolkata as well as Chennai Sectors have highlighted the pressing need for a robust mechanism to protect both tourists and local tourism stakeholders from the significant losses and inconveniences caused by such events.
He pointed out that Andaman and Nicobar Islands are highly susceptible to natural disasters like cyclones, earthquakes, and heavy rainfall. These incidents often lead to tourists getting stranded, disrupted travel plans, and financial hardships for both visitors and local businesses.
Referring to an earlier letter on the same subject written by the Member of Parliament to the Chief Secretary last year, the Member of Parliament mentioned that tourists frequently face difficulties with altered shipping schedules, flight cancellations, room shortages, and adverse weather conditions, leading to missed flights and unexpected expenses. This not only causes distress to the visitors but also impacts the reputation of our tourism industry.
He added that local hotel owners and tour operators often bear the brunt of these disruptions, accommodating tourists at minimal profit or even for free. This compassionate gesture, while commendable, results in financial setbacks for them. Additionally, such situations tarnish the Andaman Tourism brand and affect the business of concerned tour operators.
To address these issues, he proposed the introduction of an insurance policy for tourists, in collaboration with private players. Such policies, available at a nominal cost (e.g., Rs. 100 or Rs. 200), could be offered to tourists upon their arrival.
“These insurance policies would cover unforeseen expenses arising from natural calamities, thereby safeguarding tourists, hotel owners, and tour operators from financial losses,” he added.
The Member of Parliament mentioned that implementing this policy would align Andaman and Nicobar Islands with many foreign countries, especially small island nations, that mandate travel insurance to protect visitors during natural disasters.
“This approach would not only provide peace of mind to tourists but also ensure the stability and resilience of our local tourism industry. By doing so, we can significantly enhance the safety and satisfaction of tourists while supporting the financial well-being of our local tourism operators,” he said.
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