The Hindu : Kerala News : All Lakshadweep islands to be thrown open for tourists

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
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Kerala

All Lakshadweep islands to be thrown open for tourists

Abdul Latheef Naha

Administration to acquire exclusive cruise vessel for tourists

Leader of a student tourist team briefing the members about the ecological vulnerability of Lakshadweep islands on board MV Tipu Sultan. - Photo K.K. Mustafah

KAVARATTI: The Lakshadweep Administration has chalked out elaborate plans to attract high-value tourists from across the world. An eco-friendly tourism policy befitting the fragile environment of the tiny islands of the Union Territory spread over 32 sq km is being drafted as part of promoting tourism.

All islands of Lakshadweep will soon be thrown open for tourists. At present, tourism is limited to the islands of Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Agatti, Minicoy and Bangaram. Officials of the Lakshadweep Administration said that all islands were equally beautiful with great potential for tourism.

The administration has begun to promote private participation as part of boosting tourism. According to B.V. Selvaraj, Administrator for the Union Territory of Lakshadweep, tourism will provide the largest employment opportunities for the islanders.

Educated unemployed youths of Lakshadweep will be given Government grants for setting up shopping complexes for the benefit of tourists.

The unpolluted virgin islands with breathtaking underwater view are the unique selling point of Lakshadweep tourism. The 4,200-sq km lagoon offers unmatched potential for water sports such as swimming, windsurfing, diving, snorkelling and kayaking.

The number of tourists who visit Lakshadweep currently is limited to a couple of thousands. The administration has realized the importance of improving transportation facilities to attract high-value tourists.

The administration will soon procure an exclusive cruise vessel for tourists and a few speedboats as well. The administration also has plans to acquire a dedicated helicopter for the purpose.

The thrust of the current administration is on promoting low-volume high-quality tourism while simultaneously maintaining and promoting the fragile eco-system of the islands.

In the Eleventh Plan, which is currently on, the Union Government has allocated Rs.754 crore for the promotion of Lakshadweep tourism. However, the fund earmarked for the current fiscal was only Rs.2.02 crore.

The Society for Promotion of Nature Tourism and Sports (SPORTS), the agency for promoting tourism in association with the Lakshadweep Administration, offers several tourist packages to match the convenience of domestic and international tourists.

The options available for tourists include Coral Reef Package, which promotes visit to Kavaratti, Kalpeni and Minicoy; Swaying Palm Package, which is a three-night tour to Minicoy; and Taratashi package, which allows swimming, snorkelling, scuba-diving and lagoon cruise during four days' stay at Kavaratti.

Besides, the SPORTS promotes a marine wealth awareness programme by taking tourists on a three-night cruise to Kadmat Island.

The SPORTS also promotes student tours to the islands by offering children concessions.

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