Port Blair, Sept. 27: World Tourism Day with the theme ‘Rethinking Tourism’ was celebrated with great enthusiasm in A&N Islands today. As part of the celebration, the Tourism Department of A&N Administration organized various programmes and competitions. The Commissioner-cum- Secretary (IP&T), Shri Nikhil Kumar was the chief guest of the main function held at Corbyn’s Cove this evening. The Secretary (IP&T), Shri Hari Kallikkat, IAS, Director (IP&T), Shri Prateek Raj Yadav, tourism stakeholders, tourists and general public in large number participated in the celebration. This year, World Tourism Day was celebrated in Isles, incorporating the themes ‘Feel Good Tourism & Spiritual Tourism’.

Addressing the gathering, the chief guest said since 1980, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) observes September 27 as World Tourism Day. He remarked that ‘Tourism’ is the celebration of life through which we travel to places, meet people from different culture, enjoy cuisines from various parts of the world and get the opportunity to marvel at the wonderful creation of nature that we are blessed to be a part of. He said, tourism is important and globally efforts are being made to promote tourism. The tourism sector not only connects people socially it also opens window of opportunities in terms of employment & revenue generation while in some places, tourism is the mainstay of all activities.

The Commissioner-cum-Secretary said, A&N Islands is an archipelago of around 830 islands and its richest endowment is its luxurious natural beauty, which makes it a tourist hub. The Commissioner remarked that promotion of tourism is the collective responsibility of all and not just the tourism stakeholders, hence we must ensure that tourists feel welcome in the place they visit and their first experience tells about the place and its people. If they are accorded a warm welcome, they in turn invite others to visit. Along with physical infrastructure, ensuring mental satisfaction of tourists is equally important, he said. The celebration of World Tourism Day gives us the opportunity to welcome tourists and showcase the beauty of the place.  He also reminded the citizens that along with promotion of tourism, the need to be sensitive towards the environment and the Islands’ fragile ecology is of paramount importance and urged all to come together in promoting A&N Islands as responsible and eco-friendly tourist destination and continue to preserve, protect and conserve the Islands’ natural beauty. He also appreciated the beautiful cultural programme presented by the students.

The chief guest also gave away the prizes to the winners of Coconut Day competition organized by Agriculture Department in coordination with Tourism Department viz. Coconut based recipe and coconut dehusking competition for male & female.

Later, the chief guest also visited the stalls set up at the venue and interacted with the participants. He also enjoyed the dishes presented by the Nicobari tribe and appreciated their food. 

Earlier, welcoming the gathering, the Secretary (IP&T), Shri Hari Kallikkat informed about the significance of the day. He also highlighted various activities that were organized by the Tourism Department in coordination with tourism stakeholders. He said, this year special effort has been made to organize World Tourism Day in conjunction with the theme ‘Rethinking Tourism’ and in line with that Spiritual Tourism and Feel Good Tourism is being promoted. This initiative will give a new dimension to Isles tourism, he remarked. As part of ‘Feel Good Tourism’, children of Child Care Institution unit  were taken to the National Memorial Cellular  Jail while under Spiritual Tourism, yoga and meditation were organized at various beaches of the Islands, which saw enthusiastic participation from general public, he stated.   Tourists visiting the Islands were accorded a warm welcome on their arrival at the Veer Savarkar International Airport today and they were greeted with flowers and welcome dance, the Secretary said. 

The evening witnessed colourful cultural programmes like Odissi dance by Ms Koyalika, dance showcasing the beauty of various cultures like Punjabi, Rajasthani folk dance, folk dance of Tamil Nadu were presented by school students of Education Department besides live band performance by Kaun Panam Band and performance by local cultural groups.

Various competitions were organized by the Tourism Department, in collaboration with line Departments and tourism stakeholders. During the day, Navodaya Foundation, an NGO and Andaman Sea Adventure Association (ASAA) organized various competitions at Corbyn’s Cove beach such as beach ball, tug of war, musical chair, quiz on tourism sector for the tourists and Islanders. Under Spiritual Tourism, Tourism Department in association with AYUSH organized yoga sessions in all beaches of the Islands. The yoga session at Corbyn’s Cove beach witnessed overwhelming participation from tourist and general public. Under ‘Feel Good Tourism’, the Tourism Department in association with DCPU, South Andaman organized a trip for children of Child Care Institution were taken to the National Memorial Cellular Jail. The children enjoyed the trip to the National Memorial and they were also explained about the historical importance of the Jail, to inculcate the spirit of patriotism among children.

As part of the celebration, the Tourism Association of Andaman & Nicobar (TAAN) welcomed the tourists at VSI airport with flowers and a welcome song. Levi & group from Perka Village, Mathi Zeth & Group from Malaca Village jointly put up Nicobari food stalls showcasing the nicobari cuisine. A heartwarming cultural programme was presented by physically challenged children of Pankh (NGO). Andaman Helping Hands (NGO) in association with Allu Arjun Army Andaman (NGO) and Tourism Department conducted beach cleanliness drive at Marina Park on Sept.26. Tourism Department in association Agriculture Department organized Andaman Coconut Festival at Corbyn’s cove on Sept. 25 during which competitions like coconut dehusking and coconut dish making were held. As part of the celebration, cycling expedition was also organized by Team Parikrama in association with Hoteliers Association of A & N Islands and A & N Islands Tourism Department which was flagged off on Sept. 25.

People from all sections of society including tourists participated in the events with enthusiasm and fervor. The Tourism Department also presented mementoes to the line Departments , tourism stakeholders and NGOs for their active support and participation in making this day a memorable one for all viz. Agriculture Deptt., Navodya Foundation, (NGO), Tourism Association of Andaman & Nicobar (TAAN), Andaman Sea Adventure Association(ASAA), AYUSH, AATO, Pankh (NGO), Levi & group from Perka Village), Mathi Zeth & Group from Malaca Village, Andaman Helping Hands (NGO) and Allu Arjun Army Andaman (NGO). 

A similar programme marking World Tourism Day was organized by BBA (Tourism) JNRM in which the Secretary, IP&T, Shri Hari Kallikkat was the chief guest. The Director, IP&T, Shri Prateek Raj Yadav was also present.

World Tourism Day was also celebrated by various Tourism Stakeholders in Isles. Andaman Association of Tour Operators celebrated World Tourism Day today at Water Sports Complex during which 17 life guards and TSET team members of Department of IP&T were felicitated. The Secretary (IP&T), Shri Hari Kallikkat who was the chief guest on the occasion praised the effort of AATO and encouraged the life guards and stakeholders to continue the good work they are doing for the tourists. He assured them that the Department will provide all possible support to develop tourism facilities in A&N Islands. The President AATO, Shri M Vinod donated a wheelchair to Incharge of RGWS Complex.