The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, known for their pristine beauty and rich biodiversity, are set to enhance their tourism appeal with the development of a new eco-tourism resort on the uninhabited Aves Island. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation Limited (ANIIDCO) is spearheading this initiative in a public-private partnership mode.

Aves Island, also known as Coconut Island, is celebrated for its lush green coconut plantations, live and dead coral flat beds, dense forests, and a pristine 2 km long coastline. The island, which is currently not open to tourists and lacks accommodation facilities, is situated close to Mayabunder town in North and Middle Andaman district. The proposed five-star eco-tourism resort aims to offer a unique blend of luxury and nature.

With an investment of nearly INR 36 crore, the resort will feature 50 rooms and offer a range of activities, including scuba diving, game fishing, forest trekking, nature camping, and a wellness center. The resort will also have a shopping area for local souvenirs, catering to the diverse interests of travelers. The development plan includes a land parcel of 2.75 hectares owned by the local administration, which will be leased to ANIIDCO.

ANIIDCO organized an Investor Conference in Delhi on December 4, which received encouraging responses from leading hospitality players. ANIIDCO Managing Director Nandini Paliwal expressed confidence in the collaboration with the private sector, envisioning that the project will place the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on the global tourism map and contribute to the socio-economic development of the region.

The Andaman administration has also prepared a Project Information Memorandum (PIM) for the holistic development of 14 more tourist places in the islands, including Lalaji Bay beach at Long Island, Ross-Smith Island, and Shaheed Dweep. The primary objective is to provide world-class and sustainable tourism infrastructure that minimizes environmental impact while involving the local population socio-economically.

The administration is focusing on strengthening infrastructure related to connectivity, power, and water supply to support tourism development. The chief secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands highlighted these initiatives at the investor's meet, emphasizing their role in boosting tourism in the islands.