Aiming to make the archipelago a significant tourist attraction like the Maldives and Mauritius, the government invites investors to take part in the government’ plan to develop eco-tourism projects in Andaman & Nicobar (A&N) and Lakshadweep islands.
Amitabh Kant, Cheif Executive Officer of Niti Aayog, said the project already has Niti Aayog, Home Ministry and the Uninuin Territories working together to attract investments. With design-related work is already done to develop these projects, no reserve price has been set, as once bids come through the government will set the price on the same. Further Adding on:
“In the tourism sector, India allows 100 per cent foreign direct investment. So, any foreign investor can come in and invest here. The investment comes under the automatic route. Four tourism sites of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and three tourism sites of Lakshadweep Islands are ready for eco-tourism partners”.
During 2014-18, tourist arrivals to the island saw an increase from 3.1 lakh to 5.13 lakh at a 65 per cent growth. Hotel accommodation has doubled and now stands at 7000 while more than 100 small sizes reinforced plastic (FRP) tourist boats and 1000 tourist cabs have been added over the period. With the government think-tank expressing commitment to developing high-value destinations in India for international and Indian tourists, Andaman & Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDCO) has got a massive response from potential bidders.
The Islands are to be developed as a high-value destination.
Amitabh Kant, while speaking at the pre-application conference for Eco-Tourism Resorts for Andaman & Nicobar Islands further said “ these are some of the most pristine islands, and one of the last destinations in the world to be opened. We want to develop them as high-value destinations, they will be built around the carrying capacity of the island after detailed analysis.
To showcase #IncredibleIslandsOfIndia as hubs for self-sustaining eco-tourism projects, #NITIAayog CEO @amitabhk87, Andaman & Nicobar Islands Chief Secretary @ChetanSanghi, #ANIIDCO MD Kulanand Joshi & @laksports MD S Asker Ali are participating in a Pre Application Conference pic.twitter.com/2f0vHALSXh
— NITI Aayog (@NITIAayog) November 13, 2019
Followed by Chetan B Sanghi, Cheif Secretary- A&N Islands Administration stating that “the Islands are Long, Aves, Smith and Shaheed Sweep of A&N islands. We will ensure that investors get easy and early clearances. Also initially 30 per cent and later 60 per cent of the local population will get employed”, implying the condition of local employment. With an expectation of about INR 650 crore in investment, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands hopes to present picturesque views with rich culture and heritage spread over its 836 islands, islets and rocks.
