Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 10 September 2025
A delegation from the Andaman & Nicobar Islands participated in a national stakeholders’ consultation organised by the Ministry of Tourism at Hotel The Ashok, New Delhi, aimed at developing 50 world-class tourist destinations across the country.
The consultation brought together nearly 200 participants, including representatives from States and Union Territories, industry leaders, and investors, to discuss strategies for building globally competitive destinations.
The Andaman & Nicobar delegation was led by Mrs. Chanchal Yadav, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Tourism), A&N Administration, along with Mr. Vinod Kumar Yadav, DRC, Andaman Bhawan, New Delhi, and Mr. Mohan Vinod, President, Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO).
Discussions focused on private sector–driven tourism hub development and the introduction of a PLI-based Destination Maturity Model, which will guide the final design and rollout of upcoming schemes. The initiative is expected to strengthen India’s vision of sustainable, world-class tourism.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Mohan Vinod stressed the importance of improving air connectivity, including more aircraft and international routes, establishing a single-window clearance system for tourism projects, and featuring the Andaman & Nicobar Islands in the Ministry of Tourism’s promotional campaigns. He noted that such steps would enhance the branding of the islands as a premier destination for both domestic and international travellers.
He also expressed gratitude to the Andaman & Nicobar Administration and the Department of Tourism for including AATO in the consultation, adding that the initiative would provide a significant boost to “Destination Andaman” in both domestic and international markets.
