The Directorate of Information, Publicity & Tourism (IP&T), Andaman & Nicobar Administration, has released draft Beach Tourism Guidelines-2025 and draft Beach Tourism Policy-2025 aimed at promoting sustainable tourism on the Islands’ pristine beaches while safeguarding their exceptional biodiversity.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with a total of 836 islands, host a unique combination of tropical rainforests, coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass meadows. Only 31 of these islands are inhabited, leaving vast stretches untouched and in their natural state. The Islands’ 1,962-kilometre coastline is home to some of the most ecologically sensitive and visually spectacular beaches in the world.
In recent years, tourism, particularly beach tourism, has experienced rapid growth in the Islands, providing significant economic opportunities. However, this surge has also placed increasing pressure on the environment and local communities. Unregulated tourism can lead to the degradation of coastal and marine ecosystems, thereby threatening the ecological balance of these fragile islands.
The newly drafted Beach Tourism Policy seeks to address these challenges by establishing a structured framework for sustainable, inclusive, and regulated tourism. Recognizing that a majority of the Islands’ land area consists of forested regions and that most beaches fall within reserve forests or protected areas, the policy stresses the need to preserve ecological integrity. Key objectives include conservation of natural resources, empowerment of local communities, and promotion of responsible tourism practices to ensure the long-term protection of the Islands’ beaches.
The draft guidelines and policy have been placed in the public domain on the official website of the Directorate of IP&T at https://www.andamantourism.gov.in/Ann_all.php. The administration is inviting suggestions, comments, and inputs from the general public, tourism stakeholders, and relevant government departments.
All submissions can be made 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. Comments and suggestions will be accepted within a 30-day period from September 30 to October 30.
The initiative reflects the administration’s focus on balancing tourism development with ecological preservation, ensuring that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands continue to offer sustainable and vibrant beach destinations for future generations while protecting their unique and fragile ecosystems.
