Is it Because of Crocodile Infested Beaches?

Report: Mrudula

Port Blair, Aug 22: Replying to a query on the sharp decline in tourists flow in Andamans during the current year,M. Vinod, the President, Andaman Association of Tour Operators said that netting has been promised by the higher ups which is to be completed by September, for creating safe zones for swimming. Vinod was addressing the media at a press conference called to mark the 15th anniversary of the Association. He also announced the agenda of the Association among others, includes promoting ‘Brand Andamans’ through a unique idea of launching postal stamps, to advertise and increase publicity.

The islands will witness a grand function marking the second edition of Andaman Tourism Awards on 12th, 13th, 14th of October. The first edition of Andaman Tourism Awards was held in the year 2015. As many as 100 people will be awarded through a selection process by a committee comprising of people from Media, Tourism, Colleges and Polytechnics. This is to  ensure that the selection remains unbiased. The Award Ceremony will be organized by the Andaman Association of Tour Operators in association with TAAI (Southern Region) & Madhura Welcome, informed Vinod.

There are also plans to organize ‘Andaman Tourism Mart’ on the occasion of World Tourism Day on 27th September 2019.  The idea is to promote and bring all travel agents in a common platform, with an aim to showcase the potential and promising resources of Andamans. Vinod believes that the Tourism Mart will expunge all myths and misconceptions regarding Andaman’s tourism industry.

In an effort to promote Brand Andaman in Mainland, AATO along with Youth Chamber of Commerce & Industry had for the first time participated in IITM fairs held in Kolkata, Bangalore and Chennai this year. They could gather a positive response and are set to expand their participation in Delhi, Ahemdabad and two other cities by next year. The sponsors who made Andaman’s presence possible in Bangalore and Chennai were also duly felicitated by AATO. 

From being named the negative Association of Andamans, AATO has come a long way by completing 15 years and having the largest number of tour operators numbering 118 as its members.