From pankajs@VSNL.COM Sun Jul 4 14:38:31 2004 Date: Wed, 23 Jun 2004 17:36:35 +0530 From: Pankaj SekhsariaTo: nathistory-india@Princeton.EDU Subject: Andaman & Nicobar Tourism Vision [ Part 1, Text/PLAIN (charset: Unknown "UTF-8") 275 lines. ] [ Unable to print this part. ] [ The following text is in the "UTF-8" character set. ] [ Your display is set for the "US-ASCII" character set. ] [ Some characters may be displayed incorrectly. ] Apologies for Cross Posting Dear Friends, Here is a document from the Andaman & Nicobar Admin Website with their vision for tourism in the islands. This was downloaded and sent to me from the Bangalore Based EQUATIONS. pankaj http://www.and.nic.in/policy.pdf ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ADMINISTRATION Tourism Vision *** Background The limited scope for Industrial activity in the Islands coupled with the decline in the wood based industry pursuant to the Supreme Court judgment dated 7.5.2002 has led to tourism being identified as a thrust sector for economic development, revenue and employment generation in the islands. Keeping in view the fragile ecology and limited carrying capacity of the islands, the objective of A & N Administration is to strike for sustainable tourism. The objectives To address the growing unemployment problem by placing thrust on promotion of tourism Total revenue generation being Rs.84 crores only (2001-2002) the future has to be planned with the objective of higher revenue generation. Promoting concepts of eco-tourism. To encourage private sector in tourism . To harmonise ecology & tourism for the benefit of the people of the islands. VISION STATEMENT To develop Andaman and Nicobar Islands as an up market island destination for eco-tourists through environmentally sustainable development of infrastructure without disturbing the natural eco-system with the objective of generating revenue creating more employment opportunities and synergise socio-economic development of the islands. Vision targets Increase the earning from tourism sector Achieve the goal of high value low volume eco-tourist inflow. Create employment opportunities for at least 1000 persons every year. Improve the status/quality of exiting hotels, tour operators and restaurants to the standards set by Govt. of India and UT Administration. Discourage un-approved tourism business etc. To create awareness and tourism consciousness among the islanders, specially stakeholders . Creation of adequate infrastureture in close co-ordination with concerned departments to ensure that tourism is sustained by an excellent foundation. Preserve the heritage and cultural traits of the islands and enable the development of rural societies. Sustainable development of different island destinations. Preserve the natural eco-system as a treasure. Tourism Policy The policies and guidelines of Government of India form the basis to promote tourism in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Administration is focusing on the following issues: - Promotion of high value low volume eco-friendly and environmentally sustainable tourism. Undertaking tourism activities, which are not harmful to the eco-system. To implement the master plan proposed by UNDP/WTO report for sustainable development of tourism in Andamans. Playing the role of a facilitator and encouraging private sector investment in development of tourism infrastructure. Gradual privatization of management of existing tourism infrastructure. Development of new tourism activities/products. Marketing A & N Islands as tourist destination at national and international level. Action Plan Priorities for 2003-2007 Implementation of UNDP/WTO recommendations. Facilitate landing of international flights at Port Blair. Attract private investment for development of high quality eco-tourist resorts and water sports/scuba dive centres/game fishing centres. Obtain relaxation in Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) and environmental guidelines. Obtain environmental clearance for projects on forest land. Easen Restricted Area Permit (RAP) rules or facilitate long term RAP for foreign investors. Open more islands for tourism. Sound and Light show at Viper Island. Utilization of Exhibition complex for other promotional fairs and events. Assume the role of facilitator and lease out the built up infrastructure of the Directorate for professional management by private sector. More thrust to marketing – by starting proper advertisement campaign with the help of empanelled professional advertising agencies. Participate in more international exhibition/buyer seller meet. Organise more travel marts in the Andamans with wider & sponsored participation. Define the tourism policy of the islands and give wide publicity to the same. Formulate Tourist Trade Regulation for the islands and introduce registration system for all tourism related activities. Create a data bank of tourism related activities. Introduce high quality inter islands tourist cruise vessels (initially in Government sector). Opening of more Sanctuaries/ National Park for promoting eco-tourism or nature tourism . Training for hospitality staff in Government as well as private sector. Awareness programme for islanders. Promote eco-friendly practices in tourism sector. Initial steps for introduction of tourism in Nicobar group of islands. Planned development of capital area. Study for integrated development of Havelock and Neil Islands. Incentives for introducing water harvesting, solid/liquid waste management systems, captive power generation, recycling waste water and adopting eco-friendly practices. Incentives for using non-conventional energy sources. Introduce eco-friendly practices and awards. Promoting environment friendly building guidelines. Popularize Monsoon Tourism. Make Island Tourism Festival more attractive by diversifying programmes. Promote face lift to Port Blair by adding greenery (continuing programme) Periodical market research by professional agencies to identify the target group/market. (continuing programme) Development of way side amenities. Attract private airlines and charter flights specially from S.E.Asia. Get one golf course-cum-resort developed in private sector at Port Blair. Develop infrastructure for tourism in Nicobar group with the help of Tribal Council/Society. Floating Cottages on creeks at Mayabunder area, Elphinston Harbour (Rangat) area. Get at least 3 high quality resorts developed in private sector (North Passage Island, Long Island & Smith Island). Priorities for 2008-2012 Get one convention centre developed in private sector. Develop state of the art Marina with facilities for yachts at Port Blair. Develop facilities for a terminal for cruise liners at Port Blair. More focused, marketing aimed at target groups. Carry out study by highly professional agencies, preferably by UNDP as a continuation to their earlier study to assess the status of tourism sector and to evolve strategies for future. Integrated Development of Little Andaman Island. Dedicated medium range cruise vessel for plying in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Terminals for cruise liners/yachts at all popular islands from Diglipur to Campbell Bay. Wave surfing facilities at Butler Bay. Construction of eco-friendly semi-permanent jetties at popular destinations Undertake separate (island specific) studies for integrated development of different island destinations. Development of tourism infrastructure in Baratang Island. Water sports complex at Havelock. Full fledged tourist facilitation centre for booking of accommodation, inter islands tickets at Port Blair. Multiplex and facilities for evening recreation at Port Blair. Declaring no-plastic zones. Professionalising the entire functions of Directorate of Tourism (Continuing programme). Introduction of Health Resorts. Popularize Andamans as a destination for business meetings/conference etc. Introduce insurance cover to tourists. Deploy lifeguards at all beaches. Introduction of helitourism. Establish unit of Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology (Ministry of Tourism) in Andamans. Priorities for 2013-2017 Integrated Development of Nicobar group of islands. Glass bottom submarine in Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. Dolphinarium at Chidyatapu. Cable car State of the art adventure water sports complex at Port Blair. Integrated development of Rutland Island. Multi entry/exit points instead of one (Port Blair) at various places. Water theme park at Gandhi Park. Priorities for 2018-2022 Integrated Development of Campbell Bay Sea World (under sea aquarium) at Chidyatapu. Water sports complex at Mayabunder. Water sports complex at Diglipur. Priorities for 2023-2027 Periodical studies by professional agencies to assess the performance of the tourism sector to find the strengths and weaknesses and to evolve strategies for future. (continuing programme) Airstrips at Havelock, Long Island, Diglipur and Little Andaman. Inter island sea plane services. Yahoo! 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