Sri Vijaya Puram, July 17: The Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO) proudly represented the tourism fraternity of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands at the prestigious FAITH Conclave 2026, held on 16–17 July at Taj Palace, New Delhi.
The Islands were represented by Mr. M. Vinod, President, AATO and Chapter Chairman, ADTOI, and Mr. Saikat Biswas, General Secretary, AATO and Co-Chairman (Eastern Region), ATOAI, who actively participated in the two-day national tourism conclave and engaged with policymakers, industry leaders and eminent personalities from across the country.
Organised by the Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH) under the theme “Incredible India: Invaluable Economics,” the conclave served as a premier platform for deliberations on the future of Indian tourism, sustainable growth, investment, connectivity and tourism-led economic development.
During the conclave, the AATO delegation had the opportunity to interact with several distinguished personalities, including Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon’ble Union Minister for Tourism & Culture; General Anil Chauhan, former Chief of Defence Staff; Smt. Rekha Gupta, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi; Dr. Mohan Yadav, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh; renowned actor Boman Irani; veteran actor Anupam Kher; and noted author and television personality Shailesh Lodha.
The delegation also interacted with senior officials of the Ministry of Tourism, leaders of various national tourism associations, representatives of airlines, hospitality groups, travel companies and other stakeholders to discuss issues of national importance and explore collaborative opportunities for the growth of tourism.
Mr. Vinod highlighted the immense tourism potential of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and stressed the need for enhanced air and sea connectivity, infrastructure development and greater national promotion of the Islands as one of India’s most unique tourism destinations.
Mr. Saikat Biswas stated that participation in the FAITH Conclave provided valuable opportunities to exchange ideas with industry leaders, understand emerging tourism trends and policy initiatives, and build strategic partnerships that would contribute to the sustainable growth of tourism in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The AATO delegation reaffirmed its commitment to actively participating in national tourism forums and working closely with the Government of India, tourism associations and industry stakeholders to ensure that the interests of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are effectively represented in the country’s tourism growth agenda.
The participation of AATO at the FAITH Conclave 2026 reflects the Association’s continued efforts to strengthen the national presence of the Islands’ tourism industry while fostering collaborations that will benefit tourism entrepreneurs, local communities and visitors alike.