Port Blair, Aug 02: Andaman Association of Tour Operators has raised objection against introduction of Passenger Service Fee from all tourists with effect from 1st August 2017 by the Port Management Board.
In a letter addressed to Lieutenant Governor, Andaman & Nicobar Islands the President of AATO, Mr. M Vinod today said that the charges of Rs.50/-Per Port per Passenger adds an additional charge Rs.100/- to Rs.150/- for every tourist visiting other Islands.
As these charges are not required as already they charge wharfage and all necessary charges from all the Boat Operators by Port Management Board.
“Also no other services are provided from the Port Management Board to the Tourist,” he alleged.
On one hand the Administration is keen to help the visiting tourist by waiving off entrance fees of North Bay, berthing charges of Boat at Ross Island by Navy and also they are considering the exemption of Entry fee at Ross Islands and other hand orders like this discourage the Tourism Industry.
Mr. Vinod added that it takes lot of effort to bring tourist to these islands amidst high air fare and competing with International market.
“When the guest finally reaches here he has to suffer due to sudden increase of fares in private Boats, shortage of government Boats and this type of sudden introduction of charges from government authorities, which we feel is not good for the tourism industry,” the president of AATO said.
