Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 24 April 2025
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands gained international attention as a delegation of tourism officials and stakeholders represented the Union Territory at the prestigious MATTA Fair 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The event, held from April 18 to 20 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), was part of the ASEAN-India Tourism Professionals’ Exchange Programme, under the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism 2025 initiative.
The ASEAN-India Pavilion at the fair was officially inaugurated by Shri Pabitra Margherita, Hon’ble Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, Government of India, in the presence of high-ranking delegates from both ASEAN countries and India.
Organised by the Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC), the event brought together around 80 delegates, fostering cross-border collaboration, professional exchange, and tourism promotion between India and ASEAN nations.
Representing the Andaman and Nicobar Islands at the event were:
– Ms. Jyoti Kumari, IAS, Secretary (Tourism), A&N Administration
– Mr. Mathew, Assistant Manager, Tourism Department, A&N Administration
– Mr. M. Vinod, President, Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO)
– Mr. Sumit Lall, representative of Makruzz
The Andaman delegation engaged with tourism boards, international travel partners, and media representatives, highlighting the islands’ offerings in nature, culture, and adventure tourism. Their presence underscored the region’s potential as an emerging travel destination in the ASEAN market.
Mr. M. Vinod expressed gratitude to the Secretary and Director of Tourism, A&N Administration, for their continued support and the opportunity to represent the islands on such a prominent international platform.
Participation in global tourism events like MATTA Fair is seen as a significant step toward positioning the Andaman & Nicobar Islands as a competitive, sustainable, and globally recognised destination for international travellers.