Targeting revenue from Yachts Tourism; Andaman approves SOP for visiting Yachts

Targeting revenue as well as jobs and to facilitate the visiting international yachts in seeking permissions for landing and visiting specific spots, the Andaman and Nicobar Administration has now formulated a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the visiting Yachts. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands besides the beauty have most of the required infrastructure to attract Yachtsmen from around the world - a well developed port, fuel, water, provisioning, communications and an airport. Andaman Administration believe that if Yacht Tourism is promoted it would result in arrival of a large number of very affluent tourists who have yachts based in the Andamans and bring valuable tourist revenue to the Andaman Islands. The presence of many affluent tourists will also create demand in every conceivable sector of the economy leading to new business opportunities and investment in the Islands. As per information, the SOP for visiting Yachts has now been approved by the A&N Administration and the Port Management Board, A&N Islands agencies for grant of timely permissions required for the sailing yachts visiting Ports of A&N Islands. “The SOP has provisions for Procedure on Arrival, Procedure for Acceptance and Clearance, Inter Island Cruise Procedures, Departure Procedures and other General information required for visiting Yachts,” sources in Andaman Administration said. The luxury yacht market is one of the high paying professions in the world with skills that are in demand worldwide. Further, in the longer term, a fleet of yachts based in the Andaman Islands will also create demand for marinas and luxury property development. Recently in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as is the case around the world, has suffered to a great extent in the past one year. Now, with the situation slowly coming under control and the focus is back on revival of economy in the country considerable efforts are being made by the A&N Administration towards kick-starting Tourism activities in the Islands. It is believed that approving SOP for visiting Yachts will have a long term positive impact on Andaman Tourism.