Sri Vijaya Puram, November 11: Four beaches in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands now hold Blue Flag certification, with Ramnagar Beach, Karmatang Beach and Raman Bagicha Beach newly certified and Radhanagar Beach retaining its certification, the Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO) said today.
Blue Flag is an international eco-label run by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches that carry it have to meet criteria covering environmental management, environmental education and information, bathing water quality, and safety and services.
Mr. M. Vinod, AATO congratulated the Andaman and Nicobar Administration and the Tourism Department on the certification. The Association thanked Lieutenant Governor Prof. Dr. Dinesh Sharma for his encouragement and commitment towards strengthening sustainable tourism in the Islands, and appreciated the efforts of the Administration and the Tourism Department.
AATO described the certification as a “significant milestone for the tourism sector, particularly for North and Middle Andaman”. It said the recognition would help tourism promotion, create opportunities for local communities, encourage investment and attract more visitors.
The Association said it looks forward to continuing its cooperation with the Administration and the Tourism Department to promote the beaches.
