Rohit Kumar
Port Blair, 22 August 2023
In a significant event commemorating India’s G-20 presidency, a seminar titled ‘Andaman Nicobar Islands: Emerging Global Tourist Destination’ was held in the conference hall of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI). Organized by Akashvani, Port Blair, this gathering brought together prominent stakeholders and experts to discuss the burgeoning potential of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the global tourism landscape.
Dr. Jatinder Sohal, Director of Tourism, was a special invitee at the seminar, where he underscored the importance of exploring new horizons in the tourism sector of these beautiful islands.
Addressing the attendees, Dr. Sohal revealed that efforts are underway to promote tourism in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands by opening up new avenues. He emphasized that the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, along with tourists and stakeholders, forms an integral part of the tourism ecosystem, and they are collectively taking necessary steps to harness the immense potential of the tourism sector.
Dr. Sohal outlined some of the key initiatives, including the development of caravan tourism, bird watching, houseboat services, and night kayaking, among others. He noted that draft policies for Bird Watching and Caravan Tourism are currently open for public feedback, reflecting the administration’s commitment to involving the community in shaping the region’s tourism future.
Furthermore, the Director of Tourism highlighted the pivotal role that the newly inaugurated Terminal Building of Veer Savarkar International Airport (VSI) will play in this endeavor. The enhanced facilities at the airport are expected to streamline and enhance the travel experience for tourists.
Several prominent figures also shared their perspectives during the seminar. Mr. Mohd. H Jadwet, President of the Ship Owners Association, Mr. Girish Arora, President of the Hoteliers Association, Mr. Surendra Prahladka, President of the Andaman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), and Dr. P Abdul Salam, Assistant Professor in the Department of BBA Tourism at Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya (JNRM), offered valuable insights into the island’s tourism potential.