Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 29 September 2025
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands joined the global celebrations of World Tourism Day 2025 on 27th September with a thematic seminar organized by the Department of Tourism, A&N Administration at the Megapode Resort, in line with UNWTO’s theme “Tourism & Sustainable Transformation.”
The Chief Secretary, Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, inaugurated the seminar as chief guest by lighting the traditional lamp. The event was attended by senior officials including Ms. Chanchal Yadav, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Tourism), Mr. Arjun Sharma, IAS, Deputy Commissioner (SA), Ms. Jyoti Kumari, IAS, Secretary (Tourism), Mr. Azharuddin Zahiruddin Quazi, IAS, Secretary (SVPMC), Mr. Vinayak Chamadia, IAS, Director (IP&T), and representatives from the tourism sector.
Marking a series of new initiatives, the Chief Secretary launched the Astro Tourism Policy, SOP for Fly-boards/Water Jet Packs, Calendar of Events, Fairs & Festivals, and the revamped official Tourism Website. He also flagged off the Caravan Bus, formally introducing caravan tourism to the Islands—a globally recognized sustainable and experience-driven travel mode.
In his address, Dr. Kumar lauded the Tourism Department for organizing the seminar and praised the revamped website as a dynamic and user-friendly platform. He emphasized the importance of partnership between the Administration and industry stakeholders, stating that tourism initiatives would bear fruit only with active collaboration.
Highlighting future plans, he announced upcoming resort projects, enhanced flight connectivity under the UDAAN scheme, seaplane services linking Long Island, Shaheed and Swaraj Dweep, and expanded shipping and ferry services in collaboration with Cochin Metro. He assured that the Administration is committed to strengthening tourism infrastructure, thereby ensuring reliable logistics and enhanced facilities for both visitors and residents.
Earlier, welcoming the gathering, Secretary (Tourism) Ms. Jyoti Kumari, IAS, noted that tourism in the Islands has grown remarkably—from modest beginnings in the 1980s to hosting 7.2 lakh visitors in 2024. She highlighted ongoing measures aimed at realizing the vision of “high-value, low-volume, sustainable tourism.”
The seminar also featured an experts’ talk session where key stakeholders shared insights on sustainable tourism. Among them were Mr. Mohd. Jadwet (Chairman, IATO Andaman Chapter), Dr. Titus Emmanuel (Science Manager, ANET & Dakshin Foundation), Ms. Diksha Dikshit (Marine Biologist), Mr. Uday Bhaskar (Founder, Andaman Stargazing), Mr. M. Vinod (President, AATO), and Mr. Arun Singh (Bird Tour Operator). Discussions centered on eco-tourism, marine conservation, water sports, astro-tourism, and bird tourism as sustainable avenues for employment and community development.
Concluding the event, Mr. Vinayak Chamadia, IAS, Director (IP&T), proposed a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the Chief Secretary for his guidance and to all participants for their contributions toward strengthening tourism in the Islands. (Story Based on PR)
