Port Blair, Jan 12: The Andaman & Nicobar Islands has achieved a milestone of 100% vaccination. This feat has not only uplifted the confidence of the islanders but also inculcated a sense of security to the travellers bound for Andamans. The vaccination for teenagers and booster shots are also proceeding on war footing. But an unanticipated sudden closure of tourist spots and tourism activities has caused chaos amongst the stakeholders as well as tourists.

The industry stakeholders across all verticals are under heavy debt and losses due to the closure of tourism for the entire period starting since March 2020 with the exception of a couple of months in between.

Apprising the situation of the tourism stakeholders, the President, Andaman Association of Tour Operators, Shri M Vinod today called upon the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration consider re-opening of all tourist spots in the Andaman Islands in the interest of the stakeholders who have been suffering losses since months.

Vinod suggested reopening of all tourism spots in South Andaman District and North & Middle Andaman District with strict adherence to Covid protocols. The number of people at each tourist spot may be capped to avoid overcrowding. The same may be relaxed as the Covid situation improves.

The Association has also requested the Chief Secretary that any action or decision taken with regard to tourism industry may be taken in consultation with the stakeholders who are the directly affected party in the actions or decisions so taken. “We need your support to survive”, cried the AATO, placing the plea before the Chief Secretary.