Tourism in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has seen a remarkable revival in the years following the pandemic, transforming the archipelago into one of India’s fastest-growing travel destinations. Lieutenant Governor Admiral D K Joshi said domestic tourist arrivals have surged nearly 200 per cent since 2022, while international arrivals have risen by 157 per cent.
“I would like to highlight that there has been a post-COVID tourism resurgence in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with domestic arrivals rising nearly 200 per cent and international tourists up 157 per cent since 2022,” Admiral Joshi said.
He announced that the administration is preparing to set three Guinness World Records in diving to establish the islands as a premier scuba diving hub in the Indian Ocean Region. “The Andaman and Nicobar administration is poised to set three Guinness World Records in diving to position the islands as a premier scuba diving hub in the Indian Ocean Region,” Joshi said.
The administration has identified several underwater circuits for professional and recreational divers around the Button Islands in North, South and Middle Andaman, the volcanic Barren Island, South Asia’s only active volcano, and the coral-laden shores of Swaraj Dweep (formerly Havelock). These efforts are part of a broader vision to promote adventure tourism while preserving marine biodiversity.
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At the same time, Andaman’s pristine beaches, such as Radhanagar Beach on Swaraj Dweep, Elephant Beach, Neil Island, and the secluded stretches of Long Island and Little Andaman, continue to draw travellers seeking tranquillity amid turquoise waters and lush rainforests. The government’s focus on sustainable tourism has led to improved connectivity, eco-friendly resorts, and modern cruise facilities.
Joshi said a core strategic initiative for a Heritage Tourism Circuit is also being developed to showcase sites of national importance. “The core strategic initiative for Heritage Tourism Circuit encompasses National Memorial sites, which include Cellular Jail, Netaji Subas Chandra Bose Dweep (Ross Island), Viper Island, Chatham Island, Manipur Parvat with global benchmarks and PPP mode with support from the ministry,” he said.
These sites, linked to India’s freedom struggle and rich colonial history, will be restored and reimagined with better visitor infrastructure, digital exhibits, and guided experiences.
The Lieutenant Governor added that a string of flagship infrastructure projects is being implemented to strengthen tourism facilities across the Union Territory. “Flagship infrastructure projects like five-star eco-resorts, greenfield airports at Great Nicobar and Port Blair, seaplane operations, cruise tourism, modernised helicopter fleet, and new ship acquisitions will usher in a new era of sustainable World Class Tourism in the islands,” he said.
With its unique blend of adventure, culture and history, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are being developed as an integrated tourism destination, balancing ecological sensitivity with global standards of hospitality and accessibility.
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