Port Blair, Sept 19: In a historic step towards uniting the tourism sector of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, leading tourism stakeholders from across the islands have come together to form a joint body under the name Islanders Tourism Federation (ITF).
The decision was taken at a joint meeting attended by representatives of more than 20 leading tourism associations from all parts of the islands. After detailed discussions, it was unanimously agreed to establish a federation that would safeguard the interests of local tourism stakeholders and work collectively for the growth of the island’s tourism sector.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri M. Vinod, President, AATO, who was unanimously elected as the President of ITF, stated, “Our first agenda will be to bring all tourism associations and stakeholders under one umbrella and fight for the rights and welfare of the local tourism stakeholders of the islands.”
Alongside him, Shri Abdul Majeed, General Secretary, FORTO has been elected as the General Secretary, and Shri Anil Meshack has been elected as the Treasurer of ITF.
The newly formed federation will soon announce its complete list of office bearers and hold discussions with the A&N Administration on key issues affecting the livelihood of islands tourism stakeholders
With this landmark step, the Islanders Tourism Federation aims to ensure a unified voice for the entire tourism industry of the islands and to safeguard the interests of all stakeholders of the islands working towards sustainable growth of the sector.