In a bid to boost tourism in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Union Territory administration has decided to open up the uninhabited Aves Island in the North and Middle Andaman district for travellers.
Often referred to as Coconut Island due to its lush green coconut plantation, Aves Island presently remains off-limits to tourists as it lacks accommodation facilities. However, the administration is now keen on opening up this island for travellers, and has put forth plans for a five-star eco-tourism resort on Aves Island through a public-private partnership.
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Situated near Mayabunder town, Aves Island is dotted with various natural features, including live and dead coral flat beds, coconut plantations, forests, and a pristine beach with a 2 km coastline, making it an ideal destination for campers.
Visitors can explore the island by trekking through coconut plantations and small jungle trails, which will lead them to a lighthouse on the southern point.
If reports are to go by, a part of land measuring 2.75 hectares is under the local administration’s ownership, which will be leased to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation Limited (ANIIDCO) for the project’s development.
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This initiative, operating under a Public-Private Partnership mode and a Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer (DBFOT) basis, will require an investment of around INR 36 crore for the creation of a five-star eco-tourism resort with 50 rooms.
Reports add that the resort will offer various activities, such as a shopping area for local souvenirs, game fishing, scuba diving, forest trekking, nature camping, and a wellness centre.
ANIIDCO Managing Director Nandini Paliwal expressed confidence in the success of the project, citing that they have received positive response from leading hospitality players during the Investor Conference held in Delhi on December 4.
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The initiative aims to position the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on the global tourism circuit, which will contribute to the socio-economic development of the region.
To further enhance the islands’ appeal, the administration has prepared a Project Information Memorandum (PIM) titled ‘Development of Eco Tourism Projects in Andaman Islands – 2023,’ outlining plans for the holistic development of 14 additional tourist places, including Lalaji Bay beach at Long Island, Ross-Smith Island, and Shaheed Dweep across North Andaman, Middle Andaman, and South Andaman.
