The Andaman and Nicobar Islands will mark World Tourism Day 2025 with a unique celebration of marine biodiversity through an underwater photography contest. Announced by the Directorate of Information, Publicity and Tourism, the contest will run from September 20 to 25, inviting enthusiasts to capture the vibrant underwater life of the islands.
Participants have been asked to submit their best underwater photographs taken during the contest period. Each entry must include details such as the date and time of the shot, ensuring authenticity and fairness in the evaluation process. Entries, along with applications, are to be submitted to the Adventure Water Sports Section of the Directorate of Tourism in Sri Vijaya Puram no later than 10 a.m. on September 26.
The initiative seeks to celebrate the extraordinary marine diversity of the islands, which are home to coral reefs, schools of tropical fish, and rare aquatic flora and fauna. By encouraging participants to explore and capture this hidden world, the Directorate hopes to raise awareness of the need to protect fragile marine ecosystems while simultaneously promoting the Andamans as a premier tourism destination.
To make the contest competitive, attractive cash prizes have been announced. The first prize winner will receive Rs 6,000, the second prize Rs 4,000, and the third prize Rs 2,000. Tourism officials said the contest is not limited to professionals but open to all photography enthusiasts who have the equipment and interest in documenting the underwater environment.
World Tourism Day, observed annually on September 27, is dedicated this year to sustainable tourism practices. The underwater photography contest aligns with this theme by blending adventure tourism with environmental consciousness. It allows participants to engage directly with nature while using their skills to showcase the Andaman Islands’ biodiversity to a wider audience.
The contest also highlights the potential of underwater tourism in the islands, which already attract divers and snorkelers from across the world. By encouraging locals and visitors to participate, the Directorate aims to promote sustainable adventure tourism while building a repository of high-quality photographs that may be used in future campaigns to market the islands globally.
Officials stressed that the contest is an opportunity for participants to contribute not just as tourists or photographers but also as advocates for conservation. The photographs are expected to depict the rich beauty of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and marine species, drawing attention to the delicate balance of ecosystems that face threats from climate change, pollution, and unregulated human activity.
Through this initiative, the Administration has once again highlighted the role of tourism as a bridge between recreation and responsibility. The underwater photography contest is anticipated to receive strong participation, celebrating both World Tourism Day and the unique natural wealth of the Andamans.
