It gives me immense pleasure to learn that along with the rest of the world, the A&N Islands is also celebrating "World Tourism Day" befittingly on 27th September, 2023. It was on this very day in 1980 that the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) came into being.

The theme for this year's celebration, “Tourism and Green Investments”-highlights the need for more and better-targeted investment for people by investing in education and skills, by investing in sustainable infrastructure and accelerating green transformation and prosperity by investing in innovation, technology and entrepreneurship. Several activities as per this year's theme are being fervently carried out in the Islands.

The UT Administration has acknowledged tourism as a thrust area for the holistic development of the Islands. The pristine & unspoilt beaches, plethora of options for tourists in underwater, game fishing and water sports activities make our Islands one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the world. Under the aegis of Islands Development Agency (IDA) important mega tourism projects are expected to be added to the Island's success. All the upcoming projects will strive to be ecologically sustainable, provide employment opportunities to the youth of Isles and take us closer to fulfillment of the goal of making India 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.

I am confident that with the concerted efforts and coordination of all stakeholders in the A&N Islands, we will emerge as a 'shining example' of 'sustainable' and responsible tourism in the country.

Jai Hind!

Admiral D K Joshi

PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.)

Lt. Governor, A&N Islands

& Vice-Chairman, Islands Development Agency