Sri Vijaya Puram, Sep 15: The Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO) has stepped up its efforts to expand the Andaman & Nicobar Islands’ presence in the North Indian tourism market, conducting tourism roadshows in Lucknow and Jaipur to strengthen business-to-business partnerships with travel agents and tour operators.
Led by AATO President M. Vinod, a 25-member delegation participated in the roadshows, engaging with members of the travel trade fraternity in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. The programmes focused on destination promotion, B2B networking and developing new business linkages aimed at increasing tourist movement to the islands.
A key component of the roadshows was a presentation on “Destination Andaman” by AATO General Secretary Saikat Biswas. The presentation showcased the range of tourism experiences available across the islands, including beaches, marine tourism, adventure activities, eco-tourism, historical attractions and emerging destinations.
The delegation also highlighted opportunities for travel trade partners in Lucknow and Jaipur to develop and promote Andaman-focused holiday packages for their customers. The outreach was aimed at improving awareness of the islands as a tourism destination while creating stronger direct connections between local travel businesses and the Andaman tourism industry.
The roadshows received a positive response from travel agents, tour operators and tourism representatives in both cities, with discussions centred on destination awareness, package development, business opportunities and strengthening the flow of tourists from North India to the islands.
The initiative comes at a time when expanding source markets has assumed greater importance for the Andaman tourism sector. While the islands continue to attract visitors from across the country, stronger engagement with travel trade networks in different regions can help tourism businesses tap into new customer segments and promote longer and more diverse itineraries.
Speaking after the roadshows, AATO President M. Vinod thanked the travel trade fraternity in Lucknow and Jaipur for their participation and support. He also appreciated the AATO delegation for its efforts in making the two programmes successful.
The association said the Lucknow and Jaipur roadshows form part of its continuing efforts to connect Andaman with emerging and established tourism source markets across India. Direct engagement with travel agents and tour operators is expected to help strengthen the business-to-business tourism network and promote what the association describes as “Brand Andaman”.
AATO also expressed gratitude to participating travel agents, tour operators, tourism representatives and partners in both cities for their enthusiastic participation.
Meanwhile, on the occasion of Ganesh Puja, Vinod extended greetings to the people of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and devotees celebrating the festival.
In his message, he said Lord Ganesha, traditionally regarded as the remover of obstacles and a symbol of wisdom, prosperity and new beginnings, inspires people to move forward with faith, unity and positivity.
“May Lord Ganesha remove all obstacles from our lives and bless the people of Andaman & Nicobar Islands with peace, prosperity, good health and happiness. May this auspicious occasion bring renewed hope and new opportunities for all,” he said.
The tourism association’s simultaneous focus on destination promotion and public outreach comes as the islands’ tourism industry continues to look towards stronger market connections and new opportunities to expand visitor arrivals.
