Reema Lokesh – Mumbai
When Lakshadweep tourism under the leadership of Dr Tariq Thomas, secretary tourism, Administration of UT of Lakshadweep and Jatin Goyal, director (tourism), Administration of UT of Lakshadweep, set foot into India’s leading metros to promote island tourism hotspot, they were clear in their vision that they intend to address an audience that was in sync with the practice of responsible and sustainable tourism. The island has a fragile ecosystem and is focusing on the low volume and and high value traveller. Speaking about the unique elements of the island, Dr Thomas, in an exclusive with Express TravelWorld interestingly described the place as, “A rainforest under the sea.” He added, “The island is quite difficult to identify on the map, but has a wealth of nature and vibrancy especially in its sea life. The underwater experience is world class and hence we would be glad to receive the high value Indian traveller who has a certain sense of responsibility to the environment and their surroundings. For those living on the island, respecting the environment and nature is rather mandatory and not an option. We are in the process of improving the infrastructure across the islands.” The tourism board is presently focused on promoting the Bangaram island and is working closely with the right partners to bring in appropriate audience. it may be noted here that CGH Earth group was the first to venture into Bangaram, which the government is aiming to revive again.
According to the officers, each island has its own uniqueness and there is a concrete master plan to development few islands for tourism development. Goyal said, “We are focused on the issue of carrying capacity and for us it is not about mass tourism at all. For those who are truly looking at getting away from the metro madness, then the Lakshadweep islands are rather definite. It is nature in all its glory.”
The state is all set to promote the island with some offers. Better facilities an additional immigration check point will be added to help tourists with respect to the over all experience.