Conference Gets Positive Response from Potential Bidders

Kochi, Nov. 20: The UT Administration of Lakshadweep Islands organized a pre-application conference for three eco-tourism projects in Lakshadweep in Minicoy Island, Suheli Island and Kadmat Island and four eco-tourism projects in Andaman in Long Island, Smith Island, Aves Island and Saheed Dweep, today at SAJ Eco-Resort in Kochi. After a detailed feasibility study and investor’s consultations over a period of one year, Request for Qualification (RFQ) documents of these eco-tourism projects were issued for PPP procurement in the month of October 2019.

The response for the pre-application conference indicates positive interest for the projects among potential investors. Some of the potential investors and stakeholders present in today’s conference are Twenty Fourteen Holding (Lulu Group), CGH Earth, Mahindra Holidays, Abad Hotels and Resorts, Key Select Hotels, Paul Resorts, RASHI Eco-tourism Ltd., Sterling Holidays, Oberoi Realty, Radisson Group.

The renowned personality, Mr. Prahlad Kakkar, associated with Lakshadweep islands for more than 20 years through the institute Lacadives, India's Premier Sports Diving Organization set up by him in Lakshadweep, also attended the pre-application conference and provided his inputs for the projects.

The Mr. Shreeshail Malge, Director, MHA, Mr. Kulanand Joshi, MD, Andaman & Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDCO), and Mr. S. Asker Ali, MD, SPORTS, Lakshadweep presented project propositions, responded to the queries raised by stakeholders. It was clearly emphasized by respective UT Administrations that the objective is to create high end tourism destinations in an environmentally sustainable manner so that the ecology of the islands is fully protected. It was also emphasized that tourism activities in those islands will be governed by carrying capacity of the islands estimated by the government. Administrations of UTs will play proactive role as facilitators for development of these eco-tourism resorts. 

The pre-qualification applications are due on December 5, 2019 and December 11, 2019 for Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar island projects respectively.