Sri Vijaya Puram, July 14: A delegation of the Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO), led by its President, Shri M. Vinod, called on the Chief Secretary, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, Shri Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, and discussed several issues affecting the tourism sector in the Islands.
The delegation, comprising Shri M. Vinod (President), Shri Navneet (Vice President), Shri Rahul Pal and Shri Ajit Thankachan, highlighted the long-pending issue of online PMB vehicle entry passes for tourist vehicles at Haddo Wharf. The members explained that delays in generating online passes are causing hardships to tour operators and inconvenience to tourists, and requested the Administration’s intervention for an early resolution.
The delegation also raised the issue of high airfares to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, stating that the increasing cost of air travel is adversely affecting tourist arrivals and impacting the livelihoods of thousands of people dependent on the tourism industry.
In addition, AATO requested the Administration to establish adequate electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep to support the growing adoption of eco-friendly transportation and promote sustainable tourism across the Islands.
The Chief Secretary gave a patient hearing to the delegation and assured that all the issues raised would be examined on priority and appropriate action would be taken at the earliest.
Earlier in the day, Shri M. Vinod, along with Shri Ajit Thankachan, met Shri Eswar Singh, Manager, Port Management Board (PMB), to discuss the difficulties faced by tour operators in generating online vehicle entry passes. During the meeting, it was observed that the delays and technical complications are primarily related to the SovTech platform.