Port Blair, Jan 14: The Island Tourism Festival (ITF)-2015 concluded officially, with a valedictory function held at the exhibition ground, VIP road here this evening. The Lt Governor, Lt General AK Singh (Retd) was the chief guest of the function while the Member of Parliament, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray was the guest of honour.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the Lt Governor expressed his happiness over the successful conduct of the 19th Island Tourism Festival-2015. Though we call it a tourism festival, it is more for the people of A&N Islands while tourists are most welcome to enjoy the mega event, he said hailing the occasion to celebrate our multi cultural, multi religious identity. The Lt Governor stated that maximum opportunity was given to the local artistes for participation, whilst transparency was maintained in the selection process.
Turning to tourism, the Lt Governor said tourism has become the life-line of these Islands. There is immense scope of employment opportunities in this sector, he said, disclosing that there has been an increase in tourist arrivals by 15% this year, owing to a well planned strategy. He also stated that the Administration is putting in place plans to enhance tourist infrastructure to cater for future needs. “While developing tourism in these islands the safety of the tourists will be kept in the forefront”, the Lt. Governor added.
Referring to the Civil Aviation sector, the Lt. Governor appraised the gathering about various initiatives which have provided relief to the Islanders. Further initiatives are also on the anvil, as the availability of aircrafts and pilots improves with Air India.
Acknowledging the enthusiasm among the public, the Lt Governor announced that ITF will be extended upto January 18. The Lt Governor concluded by complimenting all the artists who have participated in the ITF.
In his address, the Member of Parliament, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray appreciated the cultural programme presented on the occasion which mirrored the harmonious blend of our society here. He complimented the teachers for their painstaking efforts for meticulously conceiving the programme titled ‘Nrityamala’ which reflected the true meaning of National Integration. Shri Ray said there is no dearth of talents and the students of these islands have once again proved that they do not lag behind in any way with their counterparts on the mainland.
He further stated that under the able leadership of the Lt. Governor, Lt. Gen A.K. Singh, these islands are marching towards progress, especially in Tourism sector.
Among others, the function was also attended by the first Lady of these islands, Smt. Suneeti Singh, the Chief Secretary, Shri Anand Prakash, Chairperson PBMC, Shri M Arumugam Chairperson, SSWB, Smt. Ratna Kannan, Municipal Councillors, PRI members and senior officers from the civil Administration and Defence establishment.
The highlight of the closing ceremony was the enchanting performances by local as well as artists from mainland dressed in colourful costumes. The performance by artists of Andaman and Nicobar Islands showcasing the unique blend of our cultural traditions and spirit of ‘unity in diversity’ left the audience spellbound.
The Island Tourism Festival was organized under the aegis of Tourism Department of the A&N Administration to showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Islands.
