It gives me immense pleasure to learn that along with the rest of the world, the A&N Islands is also celebrating 'World Tourism Day-2022' befittingly on 27th September, 2022. It was on this very day in 1980 that the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) came into being.

The theme for this year's celebration, 'Rethinking Tourism' gives us the opportunity to reconsider how we can develop tourism as a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient manner.

Owing to its composite culture, the A&N Islands are aptly described as 'Mini India' and tell interesting tales woven its social fabric to the visitors. The pristine & unspoilt beaches, plethora of options for tourists in underwater, game fishing and water sports activities make our Islands one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the world. As we celebrate 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav', commemorating 75 years of India's Independence, several tourism-related activities have been initiated by the Govt. of India, which are being fervently carried out in the Islands too.

The Tourism Department of the Administration, in tandem, with other Departments is also making efforts in reaching out to more tourists globally and extending best facilities to them in these Islands. In the coming days, more mega tourism projects will come up in A&N Islands under the aegis of Islands Development Agency (IDA) with the cooperation of NITI Aayog. This will give further fillip to Island's tourism sector, providing employment opportunities to the local populace and taking us closer to fulfillment of the goal of making India 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.

With the coming up of mega infrastructure projects in tourism sector, I am confident that the A&N tourism is poised for a big leap and will emerge as an ideal all-season destination for safe and sustainable tourism in the country.

On the occasion of the World Tourism Day', I once again congratulate all tourism stakeholders and islanders.

Jai Hind!

Admiral D K Joshi

PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.)

Lt. Governor, A&N Islands &

Vice-Chairman, Islands Development Agency