Travel Agents, Participants Evince Keen Interest in Andaman Tourism

Port Blair, Sept. 15: The three-day long annual convention of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), which was being held at Kolkata since Sept 12, concluded with a valedictory session at ITC Royal Bengal last evening. The Minister of State (Independent Charge), for Tourism and Culture, Govt. of India, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel was the chief guest of this session.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister emphasized on the need for providing basic amenities to tourists, foreign and domestic, visiting different tourist destinations in the country. He urged the tourism stakeholders to maintain cleanliness, especially in tourist places. The Minister expressed happiness that the number of foreign tourists visiting India has increased considerably in the recent years. He also released a video on ‘Women’s Safety’, prepared by IATO on this occasion.

Earlier, welcoming the gathering, the IATO President, Shri Pronob Sarkar informed that altogether nine business sessions were conducted during the convention that saw participation from 17 States and UTs. Andaman Tourism was also presented with memento for its participation in the event.

A large number of travel agents from the participating states as well as those who visited the fair interacted with the officials and representatives at the Andaman & Nicobar Islands' pavilion during the fair organised as part of the convention, evincing keen interest in knowing about tourism activities and facilities in the A&N Islands. 

The Minister-in-Charge, Department of Tourism, Govt. of West Bengal, Shri Gautam Deb and other dignitaries inaugurated the convention on Sept 12. The Additional Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India, Smti Rupinder Brar and the Principal Secretary, Tourism, Govt. of West Bengal, Shri Atri Bhattacharya were also present on this occasion.