Launch Considered as a Major Step Towards Promoting Heritage-Driven and Technology-Enabled Tourism
Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan. 20: In a major step towards promoting heritage-driven and technology-enabled tourism, the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, through the Directorate of Information, Publicity & Tourism (IP&T), has initiated a series of high-quality Virtual Reality (VR) documentaries, offering immersive aerial, live, and 360-degree experiences of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, including the Nicobarese tribal lifestyle, Kamorta and Nancowry Harbour, the vibrant Hodi Race Festival, and the Scenic Andaman Archipelago.
This innovative initiative aimed at further boosting tourism in Islands was virtually launched by the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS in the presence of the senior Officers of A&N Administration in the conference hall of Secretariat here this morning.
The VR documentaries vividly capture the cultural and ethnographic significance of the Nicobar group of islands, particularly Kamorta and Nancowry Harbour, highlighting traditional village life, indigenous architecture, maritime livelihoods and community-based social practices of the Nicobarese tribes. Special focus has also been given to the Hodi Race Festival, a vibrant traditional sporting event symbolising unity, teamwork and inherited seafaring skills of the Nicobarese community.
In addition, a 360-degree immersive VR documentary presenting the Andaman Islands’ iconic beaches, lush forests and rich marine ecosystems, offering tourists a virtual exploration of the Islands’ eco-tourism potential.
For the convenience of tourists, the documentaries, produced in both Hindi and English, are being showcased through an innovative mobile VR theatre housed in a specially designed moving bus stationed in front of Govt. Girls SSS, Marina stretch. This initiative allows tourists and the general public to experience the Islands’ heritage in an interactive and engaging manner.
The VR documentary initiative is expected to enhance tourist engagement, promote informed travel experiences and contribute significantly to the preservation and global promotion of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ unique cultural and natural heritage.
The initiative reflects the Administration’s commitment to cultural preservation, sustainable tourism and adoption of modern technology for public outreach.