Lt. Governor Admiral DK Joshi of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and the Vice Chairman of Islands Development Agency (IDA), expressed confident projections for a transformative year in 2024, particularly highlighting the pivotal role of tourism and hospitality sectors in the region’s development.
Inaugurating the Island Tourism Festival (ITF) on 27th Dec-2023, amidst a gathering of enthusiasts and stakeholders, Admiral Joshi expressed profound optimism about the catalytic potential of tourism and hospitality in shaping the archipelago’s future. “These sectors will not just fuel progress; they will be the cornerstone of a transformative journey for our islands,” he remarked.
The Vice Chairman of IDA, underlined the inseparable link between robust infrastructure and the buoyancy of tourism and hospitality in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. With a strategic focus on infrastructure augmentation to attract investors, he lauded the recent success of an investor conference held in Delhi, citing a notable surge in investor interest.
Amidst the comprehensive infrastructure developments, Admiral Joshi unveiled ambitious plans for two additional greenfield airports. One is earmarked for Port Blair, complementing the existing Veer Savarkar International Airport, while the other is set for Great Nicobar. This strategic move aims to fortify accessibility and convenience for tourists and residents alike.
In a bid to bolster inter-island connectivity and drive tourism, the Lt. Governor confirmed the finalization of operators for three pivotal sea ports at Long Island, Shaheed Dweep, and Swaraj Dweep. Additionally, plans for the UDAN scheme at Diglipur, Car Nicobar, Campbell Bay, and Great Nicobar are underway, promising enhanced accessibility and convenience.
Assuring ongoing infrastructural enhancements, Admiral Joshi asserted that the fruition of these developments would soon witness operational flight services, opening new gateways and opportunities for the islands.
Reflecting on the islands’ tourism trajectory, Admiral Joshi noted the resilience shown amid adversities, projecting an estimated tourist footfall surpassing the 500,000 mark by December 31. This resilient growth, except during brief disruptive periods like the Covid crisis, underscores the islands’ allure and potential.
Highlighting the significant infusion of Rs 95,000 crores by the central government over the last 5-6 years for the islands’ infrastructure, the Lt. Governor emphasized 2024 as a definitive turning point for the region’s progress.
Addressing completed projects such as the Humphrey Strait Creek Bridge, New Airport Terminal Building, and the undersea cable, Admiral Joshi assured the imminent operation of pending ventures like the Great Nicobar project and Middle Strait Bridge. He acknowledged delays in the national highway doubling project but pledged expedited efforts, envisaging a drastic reduction in travel time between North and South Andaman.
Appreciating the administrative team for their efforts in organizing the ITF, Admiral Joshi hinted at the potential for multiple such festivals involving artists from the mainland, aiming to further amplify the islands’ tourism and hospitality appeal.
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands Tourism Festival, a collaboration between the departments of information, publicity, and tourism alongside the department of art and culture, is a five-day extravaganza spanning 15 venues across the islands from December 27 to December 31. Notable highlights of this year’s festival include captivating performances by renowned percussionist Thetakudi Harihara Vinayakram (Vikku Vinayakram) and Padma Shri awardee Indian classical dancer Madhavi Mudgal, scheduled for December 29.
