1. Faizal stresses adherence to the “integrated Island management plan” for sustainable tourism.
2. The plan determines the carrying capacity and the permissible number of tourists for the islands.
3. Lakshadweep focuses on high-end controlled tourism to maximize revenue while ensuring environmental controls.
Kavaratti, Jan 15:Â Lakshadweep MP Mohammad Faizal has cautioned against the ecological fragility of the islands amid growing tourism interest following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit and the ensuing diplomatic tensions with the Maldives.
Faizal emphasized the importance of adhering to the “integrated Island management plan” formulated by the Justice Ravindran Commission, which determines the carrying capacity and permissible number of tourists for the islands.
He advocated for a focus on “high-end controlled tourism” to maximize revenue while maintaining stringent environmental controls.
Despite the surge in social media attention, Lakshadweep faces challenges such as limited direct connectivity, inadequate hotel accommodations, and tourist facilities. Currently, Alliance Air is the only operator with a daily flight to Agatti, accommodating only small aircraft.
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The lack of direct connectivity to various beach destinations within the country has contributed to discouraging potential visitors to Lakshadweep, according to industry executives.
VP Narula, the owner of Apex Travel and Tours, highlighted the importance of direct air connectivity for cost savings and convenience for travelers.
Jyoti Mayal, president of the Travel Agents Association of India, emphasized that limited flights, mandatory permits, and insufficient promotion have hindered Lakshadweep’s tourism potential.
Data from the Airports Authority of India revealed that Agatti Island airport experienced the lowest number of flights in eight years during April-November 2023, with 1,080 aircraft movements compared to 1,482 in 2022 and 1,202 in 2021, following a similar trend in previous years, except for the pandemic-affected 2020.
