Sri Vijaya Puram: The Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI) and Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO)marked its Foundation Day with a seminar aimed at strengthening legal and cyber awareness among tourism stakeholders in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The event brought together law enforcement officials and legal experts to discuss issues ranging from fair trade practices to combating misinformation that could harm the islands’ image.
SSP Manoj Kumar Meena opened the session with an overview of the legal framework governing tourists and tour operators. He stressed the importance of compliance with tourism-related regulations and urged operators to ensure that their policies and terms focus solely on the services they offer, thereby avoiding broad generalisations that may lead to disputes.
Public prosecutor Maheshwar Lall delved into legal measures for resolving industry disputes and mitigating risks. He encouraged operators to adopt transparent practices and clearly outline service terms to safeguard both clients and businesses.
SI Dinesh Kumar Jaiswal from the Cyber Crime Department addressed the growing threat of online frauds and misinformation. Citing the example of the viral “crocodile island” remark made by a tourist, which spread without fact-checking, he underlined the impact of false digital content on tourism inflow. “In today’s digital age, what a tourist sees, hears, or shares can shape the global perception of the islands,” he said.
The speakers appealed not only to tour operators but also to the local public to be proactive in defending the islands’ reputation. Residents were urged to report any defamatory or misleading content to official channels, including police handles, for verification. Officials emphasised tagging relevant authorities when sharing such content to ensure prompt fact-checking.
Highlighting the importance of rapid response to online crimes, participants were reminded that victims should immediately call the cybercrime helpline at 1930 or use the national cybercrime reporting portal. SI Jaiswal advised noting down URLs related to fraudulent websites instead of relying solely on screenshots, which may not hold up as evidence.
The seminar concluded with a consensus that legal compliance, ethical business practices, and digital vigilance are key to safeguarding the islands’ tourism-driven economy. As tourism remains one of the territory’s largest revenue generators, stakeholders agreed that protecting both visitor experiences and the region’s image is a shared responsibility.
