World Tourism Day 2025 was celebrated across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands with a mix of policy launches, cultural programmes, eco-friendly drives and community participation. The Department of Tourism organized a thematic seminar at Megapode Resort under the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s global theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.” The event was inaugurated by the Chief Secretary, who also launched a series of new initiatives for the sector.
Among the key announcements were the release of the Astro Tourism Policy, standard operating procedures for fly-boards and water jet packs, a calendar of events and festivals, and the revamped official tourism website. The launch of a caravan bus marked the introduction of caravan tourism in the Islands, aimed at diversifying the visitor experience and aligning with global trends in sustainable travel.
The Chief Secretary noted that while the administration has already unveiled several policies, more are in the pipeline, and draft publications will be released soon. New projects include five upcoming resorts, UDAAN flights linking Sri Vijaya Puram to Car Nicobar, Campbell Bay and Diglipur, as well as seaplane operations connecting Long Island, Shaheed Dweep and Swaraj Dweep. Plans for expanded shipping and harbour ferry services in collaboration with Cochin Metro were also announced, intended to improve connectivity and support both tourists and residents.
He highlighted that such measures would only succeed with the active involvement of industry partners and stakeholders, underlining the administration’s commitment to work closely with the tourism community. Officials pointed out that the revamped tourism website was designed to be dynamic and user-friendly, making it easier for visitors to access information about destinations and activities across the archipelago.
Tourism in the Islands has grown steadily since the 1980s, reaching 7.2 lakh visitors in 2024 despite global disruptions. Officials reiterated their focus on “high-value, low-volume” sustainable tourism, which emphasizes conservation while creating livelihoods. Speakers at the seminar included experts from the Indian Association of Tour Operators, Dakshin Foundation, Andaman Stargazing, AATO and birdwatching groups, who discussed eco-tourism, marine conservation, water sports, astro-tourism and bird tourism. The consensus among speakers was that sustainability is not just a theme but a necessity for the fragile ecosystem of the Islands.
The day’s celebrations extended beyond the seminar hall. Tourists arriving at Veer Savarkar International Airport and at Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep were greeted with traditional welcomes. The administration also offered free entry to museums including the Cellular Jail, Chatham Saw Mill, Anthropological Museum, Samudrika Museum and Fisheries Museum.
A unique event, “Checkmate to Plastic,” blended environmental action with chess at New Wandoor Beach. Around 100 school students participated in a cleanliness drive followed by a chess tournament. Nearly 80 students competed, and winners were felicitated with trophies, combining awareness of sustainability with the mental sport.
Cleanliness drives were also held at Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep and other tourist locations, underscoring the administration’s commitment to a plastic-free environment. Tourism officials said the combined effort of students, local bodies and the administration sent out a strong message about responsible tourism.
The celebrations captured both the symbolic and practical aspects of the Islands’ tourism strategy, welcoming visitors warmly while rolling out concrete plans to expand opportunities, improve infrastructure and protect the environment. With the convergence of policies, community action and industry participation, the World Tourism Day observances in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands highlighted both achievements so far and the road ahead for one of India’s most distinctive destinations.
