The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are an archipelago of islands, which are not only ecologically fragile, but also share a complex socio-economic relationship with mainland India. Over the years, it has grown to be a popular tourist destination, known for its pristine beaches. This has meant a slew of proposals to expand and intensify tourism, huge investment in infrastructure, improved connectivity and relaxation on Leave Travel Concession (LTC) for domestic tourists. However, these plans are not based on how tourism impacts the Islands. They have failed to take into account aspirations of local communities and whether ground realities support the assumptions made. This research report is an analysis of the status of tourism and proposed tourism development plans, an assessment of the social, cultural, economic, environmental, institutional, and policy impacts of tourism. It intends to capture people’s perspective on tourism and makes recommendations to ensure sustainable, participatory and equitable approaches to tourism in the Islands.
Geographies
India
Local Regions/Cities
Andamans