Port Blair, Sept. 25: As part of the ensuing World Tourism Day, the Tourism Department of Andaman and Nicobar Administration in collaboration with Andaman & Nicobar Tour Operators Association (ANTOA), Nehru Yuva Kendra & Forest Deptt. organized a Trekking Expedition from Hope Town Jetty to Mount Manipur today. Ms. Rashida Bibi, Gram Panchayat Pradhan, Hope Town, who presided as the chief guest flagged off the Trekking Expedition in the presence of Shri M. Hema Rao, Up Pradhan, Shri Pitrus Kerketta, Sarpanch, Shri Hosea, Range Officer from the Forest Department, Shri Farooq Ahmed and Shri Shahid Ali, Officials from the Tourism Department.

A total of 28 young enthusiasts, and other participants took part in this adventurous trekking expedition. To ensure the safety, security, and guidance of the participants, an additional team of 10 escorts from the Forest Department, 5 youth from NYK Port Blair and 8 staff from Tourism Deptt. accompanied the trekkers.

The Joint Secretary, ANTOA, Shri Rajesh Philip motivated the youth to contribute their mite in promoting tourism by showcasing the natural beauty of isles using social media platforms.

Welcoming the trekkers at the starting point, Shri Gopal Ch. Biswas from Nehru Yuva Kendra Port Blair gave an insight into the program's aims and objectives.

The event was a resounding success, promoting responsible tourism and highlighting the importance of green investments in preserving the natural beauty of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.