Port Blair, Sept. 7: A delegation of Andaman Tourism led by Shri P. Vishwakannan, Director Tourism, A&N Administration along with Shri Girish Arora, President Andaman Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ACCI), Shri M. Vinod, President Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO), Shri G. Bhaskar, from the Hoteliers Association, Shri Udhay Bhasker, Executive Member, ACCI and Shri Ajay Kumar representing FORTO are attending PATA 2015, being held at Bangalore from 6th Sept. – 8th Sept. 2015. As many as 1200 delegates from 61 countries are attending the meet.
The Andaman delegation had also met the Tourism Minister of Karnataka, Shri R.V. Deshpande and presented him a Coffee Table book on Andamans.
“It’s a great forward thinking, positive step towards promotion of brand “Andamans” by the A&N Administration jointly with the Chamber of Commerce”, said Girish Arora, President ACCI in an interview with Andaman Chronicle today.
“Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is one of the most prestigious international travel mart having Countries, States, Hotels, Travel Agents, Service Providers and Investors as its members. This is the third time India is hosting this event which had 1200 delegates representing 61 countries”, explained Arora.
“This is for the first time Andamans is participating in PATA and we are very optimistic of the results”, said the Chamber’s President adding that “We are also looking forward to host PATA Adventure Mart at Port Blair jointly with the A&N Administration by 2018”
Meanwhile, the President, AATO, Shri M. Vinod said, “PATA is organized for third time in India and it is for the first time Andamans is participating”.
“Its been great to be a part of this event. This is a great platform for tourism stakeholders of Andaman to interact with tourism stake holders of 61 countries at one venue. This will definitely be a boost for Andaman tourism”, he said while talking to Andaman Chronicle.
The President AATO also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to the Hon’ble Lt. Governor and the entire Administration for providing such a big platform for stake holders.