Port Blair(Sri Vijaya Puram): Lieutenant Governor Dr. Dinesh Sharma has called for harnessing artificial intelligence, digital platforms and smart solutions to transform tourism in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands into a more connected, sustainable and globally competitive sector. In his message on World Tourism Day, Dr. Sharma said technology could help showcase the Islands’ distinctive natural, marine, adventure and heritage attractions to a global audience while improving tourist experiences and facilitating tourism-related services.
Describing the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a “precious jewel” of India’s natural and cultural heritage, the LG highlighted their pristine beaches, blue-green waters, tropical forests, rich biodiversity and coral reefs, alongside attractions linked to the freedom struggle and a wide range of adventure and nature-based activities. He said the Islands offer a unique combination of nature, adventure, history, culture and tranquillity, with opportunities ranging from scuba diving, snorkelling and kayaking to island excursions and eco-tourism.
With this year’s World Tourism Day theme focusing on “Reimagining Tourism through a Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence”, Dr. Sharma stressed that the Islands should make effective use of emerging technologies to strengthen their tourism ecosystem. At the same time, he underlined that technological expansion must go hand in hand with responsible and sustainable tourism.
“The endeavour should be to utilise these immense opportunities through responsible and sustainable tourism,” the LG said, emphasising the need to create livelihoods, empower local communities and protect the fragile ecosystems and unique heritage that underpin the Islands’ tourism appeal.
Dr. Sharma extended his greetings to the people of the Islands, visitors, tourism professionals, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders contributing to the sector’s development.
He said the challenge before the Islands is not merely to attract more tourists, but to use technology and tourism growth in a manner that strengthens local livelihoods while safeguarding the ecological and cultural assets that make the Andaman and Nicobar Islands a distinctive tourism destination.
