Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 23 January 2024
A delegation of the Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO), led by its president Mr. M Vinod, participated in the Investment Seminar on Fisheries and Tourism organised by the Andaman & Nicobar Administration in association with the Indian Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand on 19 January.
The seminar was graced by H.E. Mr. Nagesh Singh, Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Thailand and attended by Mr. Keshav Chandra, Chief Secretary, A&N Administration who in his address invited investors to explore opportunities in tourism and civil aviation in A&N Islands. The seminar was attended by officials of the Indian Embassy including the Deputy Chief of Mission Ms. Ploumi Tripathi and First Secretary Mr. Dharmender Singh.
The AATO delegation explored potential business opportunities in tourism with tour operators and airlines stakeholders from Thailand during the seminar. They discussed prospects for joint tourism packages and connectivity between the Andaman Islands and Thailand.
Mr. Vishwendra, Secretary for Fisheries, Tourism and Civil Aviation of the A&N Administration, gave a detailed presentation on the current status and growth prospects of these sectors in the islands.
The delegates from the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Thailand exchanged views on forthcoming partnerships envisioned through the Investor Seminar. Around 106 participants from various sectors in Thailand and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands took part in the seminar and deliberated on issues relevant to the development of Fisheries and Tourism.
Mr. M Vinod on behalf of the Andaman Association of Tour Operators has expressed his sincere gratitude towards A&N Administration for the opportunity to participate in this important seminar. He also thanked the organizers for facilitating engagements between AATO members and key tourism stakeholders from Thailand.
Mr. Vinod said these interactions will help boost tourism cooperation between the Andaman Islands and Thailand through knowledge sharing, joint promotion and improved air and sea connectivity.
Mr. Vinod reiterated AATO’s commitment to work closely with the administration and tourism bodies to realize the vast potential of tourism in the islands through such partnerships.