Port Blair, April 18: The Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO) organized a Heritage Walk on World Heritage Day, which is celebrated on April 18th every year. The event was a huge success with hundreds of college students and tour operators taking part in the guided tour to learn about the rich cultural heritage of Port Blair city.
The walk was flagged off from Cellular Jail by Shri. Kalaivanan R, IPS, Superintendent of Police, South Andaman District in the presence of Dr. Rasheeda Iqbal, Assistant Director, Department of Art & Culture and in-charge of Cellular Jail.
The Heritage Walk was aimed at promoting the conservation and appreciation of local heritage sites, as well as encouraging responsible tourism. Led by Shri. M. Vinod, President, AATO the participants explored the historic landmarks and monuments that showcase the unique identity and history of Port Blair city. The walk covered significant sites such as the Cellular Jail, Aberdeen Memorial, Param Veer Chakra memorial and flag point among others.
During the walk, Shri. Saikat Biswas, Joint Secretary of AATO shared interesting facts and stories about each of the sites, providing participants with an enriching and educational experience. The Heritage Walk was an excellent opportunity for students and tour operators alike to discover and appreciate the cultural significance of Port Blair.
AATO is committed to promoting sustainable tourism and preserving cultural heritage sites in Andamans. The organization's focus is on providing authentic, educational experiences that benefit both the visitors and the local communities. By organizing the Heritage Walk on World Heritage Day, AATO hopes to raise awareness about the importance of preserving and promoting cultural heritage.
The success of the Heritage Walk on World Heritage Day in Port Blair is an excellent example of the positive impact that responsible tourism can have on local communities. AATO plans to continue organizing similar events in the future, promoting the conservation and appreciation of cultural heritage sites in these islands.