Sri Vijaya Puram, May 3: In a decisive and unprecedented mandate, Team BAT secured all 23 contested seats in the Andaman Association of Tour Operators elections, marking a complete clean sweep and reinforcing confidence in the incumbent leadership. The results were announced at Sun sea resort, where members of the tourism fraternity gathered to witness the outcome of one of the most closely followed association elections in recent years.
The election recorded an exceptional voter turnout, with 119 out of 120 eligible members casting their votes an impressive 99 percent participation rate. The overwhelming response reflects strong engagement within the tourism sector and signals widespread support for Team BAT over its competitors, Team Diamond and Team Binocular.
Addressing the media after the victory, AATO President Mohan Vinod described the mandate as a collective decision of the industry. He emphasized that the results reflect a shared understanding among members about the importance of shaping the future of tourism in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. According to him, the near total voter turnout highlights both the unity and seriousness of stakeholders toward strengthening the sector.
Outlining the roadmap for the 2026-2028 term, Mohan Vinod stated that the association will focus on three primary areas. The first priority will be aggressive promotion and marketing of the islands to position them as a premier global tourism destination. With increasing competition from other coastal and island destinations, AATO aims to adopt strategic campaigns to boost visibility and attract both domestic and international tourists.
The second focus area will be safeguarding the interests of local tour operators and residents. As tourism expands, concerns around fair opportunities, sustainable practices, and equitable growth have become increasingly significant. The association has committed to ensuring that local stakeholders remain central to the development process, preventing external dominance and preserving the region’s unique identity.
The third key priority will be strengthening coordination with the administration to facilitate smoother policy implementation and infrastructure development. Improved collaboration is expected to address long standing challenges related to permits, connectivity, and regulatory processes, thereby enhancing the overall ease of doing business in the tourism sector.
Highlighting the economic significance of tourism, Mohan Vinod reiterated that the industry remains the backbone of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ economy. He stressed the need to actively involve local youth by generating employment opportunities and integrating them into professional tourism services. Skill development and capacity building, he noted, will play a crucial role in ensuring long-term sustainable growth.
The AATO President also expressed appreciation for the role played by the Andaman and Nicobar Police and Returning Officer Abdul Siddiqui in conducting the election process smoothly, transparently, and professionally.
The newly elected executive committee includes Saikat Biswas as General Secretary, P.K. Mohd. Rafique as Organising Secretary, and Dinesh as Treasurer, along with other office bearers who will collectively steer the association over the next two years.
With a unified mandate and a clearly defined vision, Team BAT’s victory marks a significant moment for the tourism industry in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, setting the stage for coordinated growth, stronger representation, and enhanced global positioning of the region
