Andaman Islands boost tourism with E-visa entry at Port Blair Seaport
In a bid to boost tourism, the Ministry of Home Affairs has recently announced that Port Blair Seaport in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has been designated as an authorised Integrated Check Post (ICP) for foreign nationals with e-visas. It’s a huge development that is expected to boost tourism in the region.
This development is set to transform the travel landscape for international visitors and enhance the appeal of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, celebrated for their stunning beaches and adventure tourism opportunities.
About e-Visa
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, renowned for their pristine beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, and vibrant marine life, are a dream destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The new e-visa entry facility at Port Blair Seaport is expected to attract more foreign tourists to this picturesque archipelago.
Vishwendra, the Tourism Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, highlighted that the optimal time for yacht chartering in the region is between October and May. During these months, the seas are calm, and the tropical climate is particularly pleasant, making it an ideal period for maritime activities.
Six major seaports
With Port Blair’s inclusion as an e-visa entry point, international visitors can now access India through six major seaports: Mumbai, Cochin (Kerala), Mormugao (Goa), Chennai (Tamil Nadu), New Mangalore (Karnataka), and Port Blair (Andaman and Nicobar Islands). This expansion simplifies entry procedures for global visitors and positions the Andamans as a premier destination for yacht and adventure tourism.
Yacht tourism
The move has been met with enthusiasm by local officials. Prashant Kumar, former Chief Port Administrator of the Port Management Board and Special Secretary (Home) for Andaman and Nicobar Islands, emphasized that the Ministry of Home Affairs conducted a thorough review before approving e-visa entry at Port Blair. Devesh Chandra Srivastava, Director General of Police, welcomed the decision, noting its potential to elevate the Andamans on the global tourism stage and foster growth in yacht tourism.
To further promote this sector, a delegation from the Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO) recently showcased the islands at the India International Travel Mart in Bengaluru, highlighting their appeal as a top destination for yacht charters.
The introduction of e-visa entry at Port Blair is expected to generate significant revenue for the islands through foreign exchange, benefiting the local economy.
Originally Published at TIMESOFINDIA
