Sri Vijaya Puram, June 28: The Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO) successfully concluded its four-day Familiarization (FAM) Tour to North and Middle Andaman from 21st to 24th June 2026, reaffirming its commitment to promoting tourism beyond the traditional destinations of the Islands and strengthening collaboration with local tourism stakeholders, Panchayati Raj Institutions and Government departments.
The FAM Tour was organized to explore the tourism potential of Baratang, Mayabunder, Diglipur and Rangat, assess tourism infrastructure, understand the challenges faced by stakeholders and identify opportunities for sustainable tourism development.
The tour commenced with a flag-off from the historic Cellular Jail, Port Blair, followed by visits to major tourism destinations including Baratang, Karmatang Beach, Ramnagar Beach, Ross & Smith Island and Raman Bagicha Beach.
During the tour, AATO held interaction sessions with boat operators, tourism stakeholders, Panchayati Raj Institution representatives and Government officials. At Baratang, stakeholders highlighted several issues including the need for a passenger waiting shed at Baratang Jetty, regulation of truck movement in the first convoy to ease congestion near the jetty, recognition of GP Rating Certificates issued by the Maritime Training Institute under the Tribal Development Council, conduct of fresh GP Rating training programmes through approved institutions to address the shortage of certified crew, and capacity-building programmes for boat operators.
The delegation also interacted with representatives of Ramnagar Gram Panchayat and Subhash Gram Panchayat, Diglipur, where discussions focused on strengthening tourism infrastructure, promoting community participation in tourism and creating livelihood opportunities through sustainable tourism.
At Mayabunder, the AATO delegation, led by President Mr. M. Vinod, met Mr. S. Krishna Chaitanya, Additional District Magistrate/Assistant Commissioner (HQ), North & Middle Andaman District, and submitted various suggestions received from stakeholders during the tour. The delegation also proposed development of tourism infrastructure at Ramnagar Beach and suggested organizing a Monsoon Tourism Festival or an Island Tourism Festival event to promote the destination. Mr. S. Krishna Chaitanya appreciated AATO’s initiative and assured that the issues would be examined in coordination with the concerned departments.
Speaking on the successful completion of the tour, AATO President Mr. M. Vinod stated that the Association remains committed to working closely with the Andaman & Nicobar Administration and all stakeholders for balanced and sustainable tourism development across the Islands. He added that the observations and recommendations of the FAM Tour would be compiled into a comprehensive report and submitted to the Administration.
AATO General Secretary Mr. Saikat Biswas thanked Mr. S. Krishna Chaitanya, Additional District Magistrate/Assistant Commissioner (HQ), North & Middle Andaman District, the District Administration, local Panchayati Raj Institutions, tourism stakeholders, boat operators, Government departments and all others who extended their wholehearted support and cooperation in making the FAM Tour a meaningful and successful initiative.
