The Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO) has represented the islands at the prestigious FAITH Conclave, held at Hotel Taj Palace, New Delhi, on August 12–13. The event brought together the country’s top tourism, hospitality, and aviation leaders, providing a national platform to discuss the sector’s future.
AATO President M. Vinod attended the conclave as a nominee of the Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI), while Joint Secretary Saikat Biswas was nominated by the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI). Both national associations recognised the role of AATO in promoting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a premier tourism destination.
The two-day event was addressed by Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Secretary Tourism, Government of India, Suman Birla. Senior figures from across the tourism industry, including hospitality and aviation, shared insights into policy priorities, growth strategies, and emerging opportunities for India’s travel sector.
FAITH : the Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality, serves as the collective voice for the country’s tourism stakeholders. The conclave’s agenda included sessions on sustainable tourism, digital transformation, infrastructure development, and global positioning of Indian destinations.
For AATO’s representatives, the conclave provided an opportunity to spotlight the unique potential and specific needs of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Discussions focused on the importance of improved connectivity, skill development, and sustainable practices to balance tourism growth with environmental preservation.
The presence of policymakers and industry leaders created networking opportunities for the island delegates, allowing them to build strategic connections that could translate into collaborative projects and policy support for the islands’ tourism sector.
The AATO delegation also engaged in discussions on integrating the islands into larger domestic and international tourism circuits, promoting “Brand Andamans” through targeted campaigns and partnerships.
Expressing appreciation for the invitation extended to two island delegates, M. Vinod noted that the platform offered a valuable chance to exchange ideas, learn from national-level experiences, and reinforce the islands’ position in India’s tourism map.
The conclave’s outcome is expected to strengthen advocacy for tourism development in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, ensuring that the region’s concerns and opportunities are part of the broader national strategy for the sector.
