Andaman Chamber of Commerce roots for revival of tourism

Port Blair, Sep 26 (UNI) Concerned over decrease in the number of tourists to the islands, the Andaman Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI) today demanded aggressive marketing of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands through the print and electronic media.

''The Administration must go for aggressive marketing of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands by participating more in trade fairs and road shows,'' ACCI president Mohd Jadwet told UNI.

The ACCI also demanded creation of quality infrastructure and attractions for tourists in the far flung islands, including cable-cars and theme parks.

The Andaman Chamber of Commerce has been facing criticism from various associations connected to the tourism industry and local media for its alleged opposition to LTC tourism.

However, now the ACCI requested the local administration and the Centre to reintroduce the relaxed LTC scheme for the Andaman islands as was done in 2005 and has now been announced for the Northeastern region for at least another two years.

Besides demanding for aggressive marketing and allowing LTC for Andaman, the Chamber also pressed the local administration and the Centre to allow international flights to Andaman.

''Early announcement of scheduled international flights from Port Blair to the South East Asian countries will also attract more and more foreign tourists,'' General Secretary of ACCI G Bhasker told mediapersons last evening while addressing a press conference at Port Blair to clarify that the ACCI was never against LTC tourism but only opposing its misuse.

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