Sri Vijaya Puram, October 16: A delegation of the Andaman Nicobar Tour Operators Association (ANTOA) has urged the Andaman and Nicobar Administration to address high airfares, limited flight connectivity, complex business registration and inadequate financial support for local entrepreneurs, arguing that tourism growth must create wider economic opportunities for island residents.
The delegation raised these issues during a 45-minute meeting with Lieutenant Governor Dinesh Sharma on October 15, alongside demands for tourism industry status, destination development and improved road connectivity.
ANTOA president Simson said the association wanted tourism development to benefit local youth, small businesses and rural communities, rather than only tourism operators.
The delegation sought more flights connecting the islands with major Indian cities, affordable air travel, night flights from Sri Vijaya Puram and international air links. Sharma said he would raise flight frequency and connectivity concerns during his proposed meeting with the Prime Minister.
The association also called for formal industry status for tourism, saying it could improve access to bank loans, financial assistance and applicable government schemes. It argued that the change could encourage investment in hotels, travel agencies and other tourism services.
Simplifying business registration was another demand. ANTOA proposed a single-window system with transparent, time-bound procedures for tour operators. The delegation also sought easier access to loans and financial support for young people planning to establish homestays, hotels, travel agencies and adventure tourism businesses.
The association proposed developing Wandoor Beach as a major tourism and recreational destination, with improved visitor facilities and suitable adventure activities. It also sought further tourism development in Little Andaman, including a proposed surfing school to help local youth acquire skills and access employment opportunities.
ANTOA urged the Administration to promote rural tourism through village experiences, local culture, traditional lifestyles, natural attractions and locally produced goods. The association said such initiatives could create additional income opportunities for village communities. Sharma discussed the applicable rural tourism guidelines and said domestic charges would apply under prescribed rules.
The Lieutenant Governor also informed the delegation about plans for a conference involving Asian countries in the islands in December. ANTOA discussed the opportunity to showcase beaches, marine tourism, adventure activities and historical attractions to international audiences, potentially creating opportunities for local businesses.
The association requested greater participation by the Administration and Tourism Department in national travel trade fairs, including SATTE, OTM, IITM and TTF, and opportunities for local operators to attend and connect with industry partners.
It also raised licensing and tourism arrangements at Ross Island and Cellular Jail, seeking simpler procedures to improve the operation of tourism services. Any further action would depend on decisions by the concerned departments and applicable rules.
Infrastructure discussions covered proposed roads, bridges and Marine Drive, including possible connectivity improvements around Mini Bay, Mithakhari, Hathi Tapu, Dundas Point, Shore Point and Kadakchang. Sharma showed the delegation proposed routes and bridge plans on a map.
ANTOA said better connectivity could improve access to different areas and support tourism businesses and local residents.
The delegation included vice-president Soma Sundaram, general secretary R. Rajiv Kumar, treasurer Barun Roy and executive member Sumit Kumar Haldar, alongside Simson.
The association said it would continue raising tourism industry concerns with the Administration and relevant departments.
