Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 14 June 2024
The second Andaman Tourism Road Show, a four-day event organised by the Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, commenced on 13th May 2024, with a grand inauguration at Hotel Mansha Regency. The event was inaugurated by Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, Mr. Keshav Chandra, IAS, in the presence of distinguished guests including the Director of Tourism, A&N Administration, Mr. Azharuddin Zahiruddin Quazi, IAS, and Assistant Director of India Tourism, Port Blair, Mr. S. Ramakrishnan.
The opening ceremony also saw attendance from notable figures such as Chapter Chairman of IATO, A&N Islands, Mr. Mohd. Jadwet, President of ANCCI, Mr. Surendra Prahladka, and various local entrepreneurs.
The road show has attracted 50 prominent tour operators enlisted with the Ministry of Tourism, IATO, TAAI, ATOAI, and ADTOI, along with delegates from Maharashtra, Delhi, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. Social media influencers, travel bloggers, and travel journalists are also participating, supported by all tourism stakeholders of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
In his welcome address, AATO President Mr. M. Vinod expressed optimism that the road show would allow delegates and tour operators from the mainland to experience the unique beauty of the islands, enhancing the promotion of ‘Brand Andaman.’ He highlighted the islands’ unique selling points, including adventure sports, distinctive flora and fauna, and pristine beaches, and urged the delegates to promote the Andaman Islands as a year-round tourist destination. Mr. Vinod also thanked the Administration and tourism stakeholders for their support in organising the event, which he believes will significantly boost the islands’ tourism profile both nationally and globally.
Mr. Mohd. Jadwet, in his speech, commended AATO for its 20 years of contribution to the island’s tourism sector. He assured the delegates that the road show would provide an opportunity to experience the diverse tourism offerings of the islands. He emphasized the need for robust marketing, infrastructure development, and improved connectivity to ensure the growth of tourism in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The Chief Secretary marked the occasion by releasing a book celebrating AATO’s 20 years of achievements and launching the AATO website. He also toured the exhibits, engaging with various stakeholders.
A video showcasing the natural beauty and tourism potential of the A&N Islands was screened for the delegates. The program featured a welcome dance by Ms. Shreya Brohma and concluded with a vote of thanks from AATO General Secretary, Mr. K. Hamza, followed by interactions between the delegates and island tourism stakeholders.
During the four-day event, tour operators and delegates will visit prominent sites such as Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep, as well as other places of historical and tourism significance, to better understand the tourism potential of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.