Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 05 December 2023
The allure of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands as an emerging tourism destination took centre stage at the ‘Destination Andaman – Investors Conference,’ a high-profile event orchestrated by ANIIDCO in collaboration with the A&N Administration. Held on December 4th, 2023, at the prestigious ITC Maurya in New Delhi, the conference aimed at catalyzing the development of tourism projects across the archipelago.
Chaired by Admiral D K Joshi (Retd.), Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of A&N Islands and Vice-Chairman of the Islands Development Agency (IDA), the conference saw the presence of key figures including Mr. Keshav Chandra, IAS, Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, and Ms. Nandini Paliwal, IAS, MD, ANIIDCO, along with senior officials from both entities.
The primary objective was to engage potential investors, garner their insights, and pave the way for a successful initiative in developing tourism projects within the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Over 150 delegates from renowned hospitality industry giants such as Taj, Oberoi, ITC, Surrendra Park, Sterling Holidays, and Mahindra Holidays participated in the conference.
Admiral Joshi emphasized the strategic significance of the islands and outlined ongoing transformative developments, including the establishment of a Transshipment Port in Great Nicobar Island, Cruise Tourism, Marina Development, Helicopter Fleet Expansion, and the Deep-Sea Port in North Andaman. Highlighting the vast potential for sustainable development, he underscored that over 90% of the island area is blanketed with green cover.
Chief Secretary, Mr. Keshav Chandra highlighted the administration’s initiatives aimed at bolstering infrastructure related to connectivity, power, water supply, and more, essential for fostering tourism growth in the islands.
Technical consultants presented plans for eco-tourism projects in Long Island, Aves Island, Smith Island, and Shaheed Dweep, as well as the development of Megapode Resort and comprehensive plans for 11 islands/sites spread across North Andaman, Middle Andaman, and South Andaman.
These projects, set to operate under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, will require the developer to oversee design, construction, financing, maintenance, and operation under a concession agreement. ANIIDCO, the Project Management Agency (PMA) authorized by the IDA and A&N Administration, will manage the concession agreement aspects. Development parameters will adhere to ecological sensitivity, biodiversity, and strategic locations, following international benchmarks such as GRIHA, LEED, and Green Globe standards.
The prime objective remains to establish world-class, sustainable tourism infrastructure with minimal environmental impact while fostering socio-economic involvement of the local populace. The developers are entrusted with a significant responsibility to generate substantial employment opportunities for the local youth.