Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 08 May 2025
A delegation from the Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO), led by its President Mr. M. Vinod, called on the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Admiral D. K. Joshi (Retd.), at Raj Niwas to discuss critical initiatives aimed at bolstering sustainable tourism in the islands.
The delegation, comprising General Secretary Mr. K. Hamza, Organising Secretary Mr. P. S. Vijayan, and Joint Secretary Mr. Saikat Biswas, submitted a formal request for the formation of a Tourism Advisory Committee. The proposed body would include local stakeholders and departmental representatives, functioning as a consultative forum to guide tourism policy, infrastructure planning, safety norms, and promotional strategies.
Highlighting the need for stronger international connectivity, the delegation also urged the revival of the Kuala Lumpur–Port Blair air route, previously operated by AirAsia. They called for a meeting with airline operators and civil aviation authorities to discuss potential new routes and enhance the islands’ global accessibility.
The Lieutenant Governor appreciated the delegation’s suggestions and assured that the matters would be taken up with the concerned departments for appropriate action. AATO reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the Administration to build a vibrant, safe, and internationally connected tourism ecosystem in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.