‘Nature Positive Tourism’ is an innovative and genuinely sustainable approach for the Andaman Islands, according to Mr. Chari

TMI Correspondent

Port Blair, Nov 29: 'Tourism is a journey,' says Mr. M. Krishnamachari, who pioneered tourism operations in the Andaman Islands since 1987 under the name and style 'Sagar Tours & Travels'. During his 36 years devoted service in the tourism sector, he gained valuable experiences not only in Andaman but also from tourism destinations worldwide, within his possible limits. He maintained a distinction of zero complaints from guests in 36 years and recipient of 25 awards and rewards including the one 'pioneer of tourism award by Andaman Chamber of Commerce and Industries presented to him on Oct. 03, 2023 in connection with WTD celebration.

Keeping in mind the anticipated demand for professionals for tourism sector, with the support of Trade Wings Institute of Management, Mumbai Mr. Chari has trained approximately 3450 students as the Director of the Islands Institute of Skill Development (IISD) in the fields of Aviation, Travel, Tourism, Hospitality, Business, and Commerce. Among them, nearly 2950 students are employed in Andaman and abroad as well as various parts of India in the tourism and aviation sectors, and some have even secured government jobs, most of them top executives of business houses all over.

"He regards the tourism sector in Andaman as if his baby and is concerned about its current state," Mr. Chari expressed on Nov. 25, 2023, during a press meet at the IISD study hall in Dollygunj, Port Blair. According to Mr. Chari's observation, many RCC hotels  have been constructed but are unfortunately empty of guests; there is a dependency on national / international players for tour packages in Andaman instead of relying on available independent agencies in Andaman; airfares during tourist seasons or non-seasons are exorbitant and unequal; tourist car drivers or manpower dealing with tourists lack proper skills in communication; the projection of the Islands' attractions is not properly identified and preserved; and the nonexistence of proper tourism policies and guidelines within the tourism department in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He learned that these are the reasons why A&N Islands are unable to attract 'repeat customers,' which is essential for a successful destination.

He mentioned that, in search of answers to the challenges and struggles faced by the tourism industry in Andaman today, he conducted a search and research about the drawbacks and found a lack of real sustainable development in Andaman & Nicobar Islands for the past a decade. He further said that the feedback of the people in mainland India or all over the world that they live a stressful life and are always detached from pure nature, which is now less available anywhere else except for a few places. Among them, our A&N Islands are blessed with their ecology in the best form till now, and it will remain in demand from tourists in the future as long as we can preserve the ecology in these islands. He said we should bring awareness among local citizens and tourists at large.

Mr. Chari, under IISD, conducted a 30-day-long survey and study on the prospects of 'Nature Positive Tourism' in Andaman with the title 'Pancha Tatwa Yatra' - a journey to experience the five elements of nature: the Sun, Earth, Air, Water, and Sky, existing in their best form in these Islands. Accordingly, a PPT was presented to the students of six national institutes/colleges and 94 travel agents, press, and media in Maharashtra, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. Fortunately, students, people, and all corners, including leading newspapers and TV channels, who covered the events, have shown their interest and support towards 'Nature Positive Tourism.'

However, it is the need of the hour to 'rethink tourism' in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. To achieve this, one must respect and preserve the nature and its originality for long-term success. Instead of borrowing, copying or duplicating famous destinations from other places, we have the potential to create a unique experience like nowhere else in the world, akin to the 'Pancha Tatwa Yatra,' to garner pure and natural benefits from 'Nature Positive Tourism.'

Furthermore, unlike other businesses, tourism is primarily a service-based industry that only could be manageable by service minded people with skills of preservation and presentation. Hence, there is a need to educate the local population and simultaneously make tourists / visitors aware when launching such uniqueness. Fundamentally, one has to understand and accept that tourism is a journey and not a destination to lead to an end.

It is also observed that the young generation in these islands is heavily competing for limited government jobs, neglecting the vast opportunities in the tourism sector. This is a real disaster, and ultimately, the losers are the youth of these islands in the ocean of opportunities. Mr. Chari added.

Earlier, welcoming the scribes, Mrs. M. Purnima, Convenor of the Islands Institute of Skill Development (IISD), expressed her appreciation for the print media's significant contribution to the societal development in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. She acknowledged the vital role played by the journalists in shaping and influencing the community and society at large in these A&N Islands.