Andaman and Nicobar Islands Focus on the Balancing its Tourism Growth with Ecosystem Preservation, Opening New Islands and Diversifying Experiences

Published on November 23, 2025

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands stand at a crossroads in tourism development. The significant increase in visitor numbers brings pressures on the fragile ecosystems of the islands. To address these challenges while optimizing the benefits of tourism, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands government adopts a careful and gradual approach towards opening new islands to visitors, with an emphasis on sustainable tourism development that balances economic growth with the protection of the natural environment.

The islands, famous for their spotless beaches, coral reefs, mangrove forests, and tropical wildlife, attract the increasing attention of domestic and international tourists. According to Jyoti Kumari, Tourism Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, tourism has to be eco-friendly, keeping in mind the long-term sustainability of the region’s environment. With its tourism sector growing fast, the government is trying to ensure that any further rise in tourist numbers would not occur at the cost of nature conservation.

Rising Tourism Numbers: The Growth and Its Impact on the Local Economy

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Andaman Islands experienced a remarkable resurgence in tourism, with domestic visitors particularly keen to visit the islands for their natural beauty and seclusion. Kumari noted that 7.2 lakh visitors came to the islands last year, a sharp increase from previous years. This year, the islands have already recorded 6 lakh visitors by September, and October and November—the peak months—are expected to push these numbers even higher.

The surge in tourism has boosted the local economy, providing new opportunities for small businesses, local guides, hotels, restaurants, and other tourism-related enterprises. The tourism sector is now one of the primary drivers of economic development, contributing to job creation and the empowerment of local communities. However, this growth also presents challenges related to managing visitor numbers and ensuring that economic benefits are distributed equitably among local populations.

Opening New Islands: A Graded Approach to Tourism Expansion

Recognizing the need to balance tourism growth with the preservation of the islands’ ecosystems, the government has adopted a measured approach to the opening of new islands. The recent opening of North Sink Island, along with Jolly Buoy and Red Skin Islands, is part of this carefully planned expansion. These islands are subject to strict visitor caps, with a limit of 200 people per day to ensure that tourism does not overwhelm their natural resources.

The government is keenly monitoring the impact of these newly opened islands, assessing both the environmental effects and the response from tourists. By maintaining strict limits on visitor numbers and monitoring the ecological health of each area, officials are working to preserve the islands’ integrity while offering new tourism experiences. This gradual opening allows for more controlled growth, ensuring that tourism can continue to be an asset rather than a burden to the local ecosystem.

Ecological Concerns and the Carrying Capacity of the Islands

One of the core concerns for tourism managers in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is the ecological carrying capacity of the islands. As a sensitive ecosystem, the islands face threats from over-tourism, including damage to coral reefs, wildlife disturbance, and pollution. To mitigate these risks, the government is prioritizing sustainable tourism practices, including strict waste management protocols, eco-friendly accommodation, and visitor education programs.

The Tourism Secretary stressed that the islands’ limited accessibility—with most visitors arriving by flight—naturally restricts the number of tourists, thus minimizing the immediate threat of overcrowding. However, as more islands are opened for tourism, the government is exploring climate-responsive strategies, such as the promotion of eco-tourism and responsible travel behaviors among visitors. These measures aim to ensure that tourism can continue to thrive without compromising the natural beauty and biodiversity of the region.

Diversifying Tourism: Expanding Beyond Beaches to Eco-Experiences

To reduce the pressure on the islands’ most popular destinations, the Andaman Islands government is actively working to diversify tourism experiences. This includes developing niche segments such as birdwatching and astro-tourism, which can attract tourists with specific interests while spreading the demand across less visited areas.

The Andaman Islands are home to 32 species of endemic birds, making it an excellent destination for birdwatching enthusiasts. Kumari highlighted that the region has become a major hotspot for bird watchers, with some visitors eager to spot multiple species in a single day. This type of specialized tourism helps spread visitor traffic while introducing tourists to the islands’ diverse ecosystems.

Additionally, astro-tourism is gaining attention due to the islands’ clear night skies, which offer an ideal setting for stargazing. Visitors can see both northern and southern constellations, making it a unique selling point for the islands. The promotion of these alternative forms of tourism allows the government to reduce the strain on popular sites while offering visitors a richer, more diverse experience.

Community Involvement and Job Creation in Sustainable Tourism

A key aspect of the Andaman Islands’ sustainable tourism strategy is the involvement of local communities. The government is focusing on capacity-building programs that provide training in eco-tourism, hospitality, and environmental management. By empowering local populations with the skills to manage tourism responsibly, the government aims to ensure that the benefits of tourism growth are widely distributed.

The rise of local entrepreneurship, particularly among women and youth, is another success story in the tourism sector. As tourism increases, local businesses have more opportunities to thrive, contributing to economic independence and community empowerment.

Charting a Sustainable Path for the Future of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The tourism development journey of Andaman and Nicobar Islands has reached a crossroads. As the numbers of tourism continue to grow, the government has strategically adopted an environmentally sustainable manner of managing growth and preserving the unique environment of the islands. Gradual opening of islands, diversification into eco-tourism, and involving local communities-the region is preparing itself for long-term success.

The future of tourism in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands depends on balancing growth with conservation so that the islands can continue to offer opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and cultural exchange without destroying their fragile ecosystems. With careful planning and collaboration with local stakeholders, the Andaman Islands can become an international model for sustainable tourism, responsibly attracting travelers yet preserving natural treasures for generations to come.