The Directorate of Information, Publicity & Tourism (IP&T), Andaman & Nicobar Administration, has prepared the draft Beach Tourism Guidelines-2025 and draft Beach Tourism Policy-2025, aimed at promoting sustainable tourism on the Islands’ pristine beaches while preserving ecological balance. The archipelago, comprising 836 islands of which only 31 are inhabited, is home to rare tropical rainforests, coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass meadows. Its 1,962-kilometre coastline includes some of the world’s most ecologically sensitive and visually spectacular beaches.
Recent years have seen a surge in tourism, particularly beach tourism, bringing economic opportunities but also mounting pressures on local ecosystems and communities. Unregulated tourism risks degrading coastal and marine environments, with potential long-term consequences for biodiversity and the natural heritage of the Islands.
The draft policy aims to address these challenges by providing a structured framework for sustainable, inclusive, and regulated tourism. Recognizing that much of the Islands’ area is forested and that most beaches lie within reserve forests and protected areas, the guidelines emphasize conservation and responsible tourism practices. The policy also focuses on community empowerment, seeking to involve local populations in tourism development while ensuring that economic benefits do not compromise environmental integrity.
By setting clear norms for tourism operations, the draft Beach Tourism Policy intends to guide operators, authorities, and visitors in minimizing environmental footprints and maintaining ecological balance. The initiative aligns with broader conservation objectives and seeks to prevent the adverse impacts of mass tourism, such as habitat disruption, pollution, and depletion of marine resources.
The draft guidelines and policy documents have been placed in the public domain to encourage suggestions and inputs from stakeholders, including the general public, tourism operators, and government departments. The documents are accessible on the official Directorate of IP&T website at https://tourism.andamantourism.gov.in.
All comments, suggestions, and feedback are invited in writing to the Director (IP&T), Directorate of IP&T, A&N Administration, Kamaraj Road, Sri Vijaya Puram, or via email at thedirectortourism@gmail.com. Submissions will be accepted during a 30-day window from September 30 to October 30, 2025.
The administration emphasized that the policy is designed not only to regulate tourism activity but also to ensure that the Islands’ fragile coastal and marine ecosystems remain vibrant and protected for future generations. It underscores the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship, enabling tourism to continue as a sustainable economic driver without compromising natural resources.
Through this initiative, the Andaman & Nicobar Administration aims to institutionalize best practices in tourism planning, promote responsible visitor behavior, and strengthen the role of local communities in tourism development. By proactively engaging the public and stakeholders, the policy seeks to foster a culture of participatory governance in managing tourism impacts.
The draft Beach Tourism Policy-2025 and accompanying guidelines reflect an integrated approach to environmental protection, economic opportunity, and community participation. The administration’s commitment to transparency and stakeholder consultation signals a long-term vision for the Islands’ tourism sector that prioritizes sustainability, ecological integrity, and the well-being of local communities.
The public consultation process will play a crucial role in shaping the final policy, ensuring that diverse perspectives and concerns are incorporated. By balancing development with conservation, the policy aims to maintain the Andaman & Nicobar Islands’ status as a globally renowned destination for ecotourism and sustainable beach tourism.
