Sri Vijaya Puram, June 26: The Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO) has sought immediate infrastructure upgrades and policy interventions to strengthen tourism in North and Middle Andaman after completing a four-day Familiarization (FAM) Tour, highlighting concerns over inadequate visitor facilities, transport bottlenecks and workforce shortages affecting the region’s tourism potential.
A delegation led by AATO President M. Vinod met S. Krishna Chaitanya, Additional District Magistrate/Assistant Commissioner (HQ), North & Middle Andaman District, and submitted a series of recommendations based on interactions with tourism stakeholders, boat operators, Panchayati Raj Institutions and government officials conducted during the tour from June 21 to 24.
The delegation identified the lack of a passenger waiting shed at Baratang Jetty as an immediate concern, stating that tourists face considerable inconvenience due to the absence of proper shelter and basic amenities, particularly during adverse weather and peak tourism periods.
AATO also raised concerns over congestion caused by the movement of a large number of trucks in the first convoy from Jirkatang to Baratang. According to the Association, trucks occupy most of the parking space near the jetty, forcing tourist vehicles to remain on roadsides while visitors walk long distances to reach boarding points.
To ease congestion, the delegation suggested that tourist vehicles and carriers transporting essential commodities should receive priority during peak tourism hours while regulating the movement of non-essential trucks.
Another key issue highlighted during the discussions was the reported non-recognition of GP Rating Certificates issued by the Maritime Training Institute under the Tribal Development Council. AATO stated that despite several local boat operators and crew members completing the programme, the certificates are reportedly not being accepted by certain authorities, resulting in a shortage of certified crew and affecting tourist boat operations.
The Association urged the Administration to facilitate fresh GP Rating training programmes through approved institutions and expressed its willingness to organise soft skills and hospitality training for boat operators to improve visitor experience and service quality.
During the meeting, the delegation also proposed the development of tourism infrastructure at Ramnagar Beach in North Andaman, describing the destination as having significant tourism potential because of its natural setting and accessibility. AATO recommended improving visitor amenities and promoting the destination through a dedicated Monsoon Tourism Festival or an Island Tourism Festival to generate economic opportunities for local communities and tourism stakeholders.
The recommendations were compiled following visits to Baratang, Karmatang Beach, Ramnagar Beach, Ross & Smith Island and Raman Bagicha Beach, where the delegation assessed tourism infrastructure and interacted with stakeholders to identify development priorities.
The Association also held discussions with representatives of Ramnagar Gram Panchayat and Subhash Gram Panchayat in Diglipur on strengthening community participation, improving tourism infrastructure and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
S. Krishna Chaitanya heard the concerns raised by the delegation, appreciated AATO’s engagement with grassroots tourism stakeholders and assured that the issues would be examined in coordination with the concerned departments.
Speaking after the completion of the FAM Tour, AATO President M. Vinod said the Association remains committed to working with the Andaman and Nicobar Administration and tourism stakeholders for balanced and sustainable tourism development across the Islands. He added that the findings and recommendations from the tour would be compiled into a comprehensive report for submission to the Administration.
AATO General Secretary Saikat Biswas thanked the district administration, Panchayati Raj Institutions, tourism stakeholders, boat operators and government departments for supporting the initiative.
