There's more clarity now on Andaman Nicobar tourism infra development: Jaikr Singh

Time of India

5 days ago

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ETHospitalityWorld
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The Andaman & Nicobar Islands have been identified by the union government for the ambitious 'Maldives model' of 'one-island-one-resort' along with Lakshadweep. Notwithstanding the criticism from environmentalists and conservationists, the government is pushing ahead with these projects including the Great Nicobar Island mega project, which will include a greenfield airport, transhipment terminal, modern township, and eco-resorts.In a related move, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation ( ANIIDCO ) recently invited international competitive bids for several 5-star eco-tourism resorts under the DBFOT model at Aves Island, Long Island, Smith Island, Shaheed Dweep, and the Megapode Resort.Staying away from the controversies and offering the perspective of the broader tourism infrastructure developments in Andamans, Jaikr Singh , director of Symphony Hotels, Resorts & Spas said: 'There is a lot more clarity now than before, and that's why renowned developers from across India and even overseas are seizing the opportunity.'His pioneering hospitality group owns and operates three island resorts along with a city hotel in Port Blair.The group's portfolio includes The Shompen in Port Blair — the first private hotel in the capital, Symphony Palms Beach Resort in Havelock, Symphony Samudra in Port Blair, and Summer Sands Beach Resort in Neil Island.Recently, they secured the rights to operate a shack-cum-restaurant at the popular Corbyn's Cove Beach in an open bidding. The beach restaurant was previously managed by the administration. The venue is now being redesigned ahead of the upcoming tourist season.'We will transform it into an upscale dining destination with the right entertainment and culinary experiences,' said Singh, a graduate of Les Roches International Hospitality School, adding that the goal was to set a benchmark for future developments leased by the island administration.The company was also expecting to make more breakthrough announcements in the coming months.As a local stakeholder, Singh emphasised the importance of sustainability, saying, 'For us, growth is more about quality than quantity. I take immense pride in being from the Andamans, so every project is personal. We're making bold moves to create immersive experiences rather than simply expanding.'He praised the administration's proactive support.'If your vision is right, they help you make it happen. I would say we now have the most supportive administration,' Singh noted, adding that strong measures are in place to ensure infrastructure growth is responsible and sustainable.Improved logistics, easier access to sustainable building materials, and growing environmental awareness among new-age developers are also helping the cause, he said.Connectivity to Port Blair has steadily improving, with direct flights from Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Visakhapatnam, as well as seasonal services from Mumbai. While the only international link — AirAsia's Kuala Lumpur service — remained suspended, the industry was optimistic about its return.Singh revealed that talks were also underway for charter flights from Italy and other European destinations, calling the development a 'potential gamechanger' for Andaman tourism.'Andaman is not just about diving and snorkelling. We have birding, game fishing, and even the only active volcano in India at Barren Island. The region is vast — even ten days aren't enough to explore it fully. No other destination offers this level of ease for both Indian and international travellers,' he said.While several hospitality projects are in the pipeline, Singh was unfased by the entry of large mainland brands.'Bigger players will only create more opportunities for islanders, raising living standards and attracting premium travellers with higher spending power,' he said.'With the support we have today, everyone should experience the Andamans. I've travelled to the most beautiful islands in Europe, the Seychelles, and the Maldives — but the Andamans remain unmatched for the experiences they offer,' he concluded.