Nishar Mohammed
Sri Vijaya Puram, May 3: In a decisive and closely watched election, Mr. M Vinod has been re-elected as President of the Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO), following a sweeping victory by “Team Bat,” which secured all 23 seats in the recently concluded polls.
Addressing a press conference after the announcement of results, Mr. Vinod highlighted that AATO, being one of the oldest and largest tourism-related bodies in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, witnessed an exceptionally active and spirited election this year.
Describing the electoral process as highly engaging, Mr. Vinod noted that the month-long campaign generated significant enthusiasm among members. A total of 46 candidates contested across various posts, while three panels—Team Bat, Team Diamond, and Team Bakular—competed in the elections held at Sun Sea Resort.
The results, however, delivered a clear mandate in favour of Team Bat, which won all 23 contested positions. Mr. Vinod termed the outcome a reflection of unity and seriousness among members toward strengthening the organisation. He further pointed out that out of 120 eligible voters, 119 exercised their franchise, marking what he described as near-total participation and strong commitment to the association.
“This is not just a victory of one team, but a victory of AATO itself,” Vinod said, adding that the overwhelming voter turnout reflects the deep engagement of stakeholders with the organisation.
He also introduced the newly elected office bearers who form part of the new team.
Outlining the roadmap for the next two years, Mr. Vinod said the focus will remain on promoting tourism in the islands, protecting the interests of local stakeholders, and working closely with members to strengthen the tourism ecosystem. He emphasised that the association aims to act as a bridge between the administration and the tourism sector to ensure coordinated development of the islands, the region’s primary industry.
He further stated that efforts will be made to involve local youth in tourism-related opportunities and to expand collaboration across the islands.
Mr. Vinod also extended gratitude to Returning Officer Mr. Abdul Siddique and his team for conducting the election in a highly professional and transparent manner from nomination to counting. He appreciated the consistent support of the Police and thanked the print and electronic media for their long-standing association with AATO since its inception in 2004.
Speaking at the same press conference, General Secretary Mr. Saikar Biswas appealed to all tourism stakeholders to join AATO, calling it the oldest and largest tourism stakeholders’ organisation in the region. He announced that recent amendments to the by-laws now allow broader membership, including tourism service providers, activity operators, and other stakeholders under an “elite membership” category.
He further informed that AATO plans to launch a membership drive soon, with a special focus on bringing in intra-island tourism stakeholders from across Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep, Baratang and other regions, aiming to make the organisation more inclusive and representative of the entire tourism sector.
The newly elected leadership expressed confidence that the renewed mandate will help strengthen tourism growth and create wider opportunities across the islands in the coming term.
