Sri Vijaya Puram, June 9: The Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO) successfully organised a Familiarization (FAM) Tour for its members to Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island) on 06 & 07 June 2026 as part of its efforts to promote monsoon tourism and strengthen collaboration between tourism stakeholders and local communities.
The two-day tour witnessed enthusiastic participation from AATO members, who visited tourism properties and interacted with local stakeholders to explore opportunities for enhancing tourism activities on the island during the monsoon season.
A key highlight of the programme was an interactive session held at the Panchayat Hall, Shaheed Dweep, bringing together representatives of the tourism industry, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), government officials, and AATO members.
The session was attended by Smti Pinki Das, Pradhan, Smt Champa Das, Pramukh and Panchayat Samiti Member, Shri Dashrat Verma, Zilla Parishad Member, and Shri Jeevan, Station House Officer, Shaheed Dweep, along with tourism stakeholders from the island.
The interaction session was hosted by Shri Saikat Biswas, General Secretary, AATO, who welcomed the guests and highlighted the importance of close coordination between local stakeholders and the tourism industry for sustainable growth of tourism in Shaheed Dweep.
Several important issues concerning tourism development were discussed during the meeting, including the need for a direct ferry service to Shaheed Dweep, improvement of mobile network connectivity, creation of adequate seating arrangements and visitor amenities at beaches, concerns relating to IRS hull survey charges, and issues pertaining to vehicle permits affecting tourism operations.
The participants engaged in a constructive dialogue and shared suggestions for improving visitor experiences while ensuring sustainable development of the destination.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri.M.Vinod, President, AATO, assured the stakeholders that the concerns raised during the interaction would be taken up with the relevant authorities. He reiterated AATO’s commitment to working closely with local communities, government departments, and tourism stakeholders to promote tourism and address industry challenges.
As a gesture of appreciation, the distinguished guests were felicitated by AATO for their valuable contribution and support towards the development of tourism in Shaheed Dweep.
AATO also expressed its gratitude to the tourism stakeholders of Shaheed Dweep for their active participation and to its hospitality partners, including Nautika, Tango Beach Resort, Pearl Park Beach Resort, and Shri Balram, for their generous support and warm hospitality.
The association stated that such initiatives play an important role in showcasing the tourism potential of the islands, fostering industry collaboration, and promoting Shaheed Dweep as an attractive destination for visitors throughout the year, including the monsoon season.