Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 14 October 2025
As part of its ongoing Lecture Series on Sustainable Tourism, the Directorate of Tourism organized a public lecture on ‘The Island Way of Tourism’ by Ms. Diksha Dikshit, Marine Biologist and Naturalist, at the Directorate’s Conference Hall on 13th October 2025.
During the session, Ms. Dikshit shared valuable insights on sustainable tourism practices tailored to the fragile ecosystem and rich marine biodiversity of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. She highlighted the importance of adhering to safety protocols, emphasized the shared responsibility of the local community in preserving the Islands’ natural and cultural heritage, and underscored the need for responsible tourism marketing to enhance visitor satisfaction and encourage repeat visits.
Addressing the gathering, the Director (Tourism) stressed that all tourism stakeholders must follow prescribed protocols and provide quality experiences for tourists. He highlighted the importance of soft skills among staff interacting directly with visitors and encouraged operators to invest in employee training and capacity building. Stakeholders were invited to submit requests for specific skilling or training needs, which the Department will consider for future programs.
The lecture aimed to enhance understanding of sustainable tourism principles and the ‘Island way’ of balancing tourism development with environmental conservation and community participation. The event saw participation from tourism industry partners, tour operators, adventure water sports operators, snorkel guides, scuba diving instructors, students, and nature enthusiasts.
This initiative is part of the Department’s broader efforts to promote responsible, community-based tourism and position the Andaman & Nicobar Islands as a model destination for sustainable and nature-oriented tourism.
