New Delhi, July 19: A delegation of the Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO), led by its President Shri M. Vinod and General Secretary Shri Saikat Biswas, called on Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon’ble Union Minister for Tourism, at his official residence in New Delhi to discuss key issues concerning the growth and development of tourism in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
During the meeting, the AATO delegation submitted a detailed memorandum highlighting the immense tourism potential of the Islands and sought the Ministry’s support for strengthening tourism infrastructure, connectivity, and destination promotion.
The delegation requested the Hon’ble Minister to initiate aggressive domestic and international marketing campaigns for Brand Andaman, facilitate the introduction of direct international flight connectivity to Port Blair, and take necessary measures to reduce the high airfares that continue to affect tourist arrivals. They also urged the Government to consider opening more islands for sustainable tourism, convene a comprehensive meeting with tourism stakeholders in the Islands, and constitute a Tourism Advisory Committee comprising representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, the Andaman & Nicobar Administration, and recognised tourism stakeholders to ensure coordinated and long-term development of the sector.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri M. Vinod, President of AATO, said that tourism is the backbone of the Islands’ economy, providing livelihoods to thousands of families, and that timely intervention by the Government of India would significantly enhance employment opportunities and strengthen the local economy.
Shri Saikat Biswas, General Secretary of AATO, emphasised the need for improved air connectivity, affordable travel, focused destination marketing, and closer coordination between the Government and the tourism industry to unlock the full potential of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands as one of India’s premier island destinations.
During the interaction, Shri M. Vinod also extended a warm invitation to the Hon’ble Union Minister to visit the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and interact directly with the tourism fraternity. Responding positively, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat stated that he would be visiting the Islands soon, where he intends to meet the Andaman & Nicobar Administration as well as tourism stakeholders to gain first-hand understanding of the sector’s challenges and explore measures for its sustainable growth.
The assurance given by the Hon’ble Minister was warmly welcomed by the AATO delegation, which expressed confidence that his proposed visit would provide fresh impetus to the tourism sector and help address several long-pending issues through direct interaction with the Administration and industry stakeholders.
The delegation expressed its gratitude to the Hon’ble Minister for granting them an audience and for his positive response to the issues raised. AATO reiterated its commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Tourism and the Andaman & Nicobar Administration to promote responsible, sustainable, and inclusive tourism, ensuring that the Islands continue to emerge as one of India’s most sought-after tourism destinations.