Andaman and Nicobar Islands Record Major Tourism Surge, Gradual Opening of New Eco Sensitive Islands Marks a New Era of Sustainable Growth

Published on November 24, 2025

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are undergoing a significant shift in how tourism is developed and managed. Long admired for their calm lagoons, white-sand beaches, dense tropical forests and rich marine ecosystems, the islands are now receiving unprecedented attention from domestic travelers. With this rising interest comes a renewed focus on ensuring that tourism expands without compromising the archipelago’s delicate ecological foundations.

Tourism Surge Reflects Changing Travel Trends

Over the past two seasons, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have recorded a surge in visitor arrivals, far exceeding earlier expectations. More than seven lakh tourists visited during the previous travel year, a notable figure for a territory with a small resident population and limited transport access. This upward trend accelerated further this year, with six lakh visitors counted by September—months before the islands typically enter their busiest period.

This growth is partly driven by a shift in travel behaviour. Many domestic tourists now prefer nature-oriented destinations, remote escapes and outdoor activities over crowded urban holidays. The islands offer all of this in abundance—clear waters, vibrant coral life, soothing greenery and minimal noise—making them a natural choice for travelers seeking rejuvenation and adventure. Enhanced flight connectivity and rising enthusiasm for eco-friendly travel have also encouraged more visitors to explore the archipelago.

Opening New Islands Under a Carefully Controlled Framework

As tourism numbers climb, authorities are moving cautiously to ensure that natural habitats remain unaffected. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are defined by ecological sensitivity, from their coral shelves and mangrove belts to their birdlife and forest ecosystems. Because of this, the Administration is adopting a slow, step-by-step approach to opening new islands for tourism activities.

Recently, a new island was opened for visitors as part of this phased development plan. More islands will follow, but only after they undergo thorough assessment to determine their environmental resilience and carrying capacity. The goal is to expand tourism while preventing overcrowding in heavily visited areas and distributing footfall more evenly across the archipelago.

Marine destinations such as Jolly Buoy and Red Skin—famous for coral viewing and clear lagoons—have been reopened with strict visitor limits. Each of these sites can host only 200 people at a time, ensuring that the reef systems, seagrass meadows and near-shore waters remain undisturbed. These caps help maintain water clarity, protect coral colonies from stress and ensure that fragile coastal vegetation is not damaged by excessive movement.

A total of twenty-one islands have so far been opened in a graded manner, with continuous monitoring to ensure that tourism does not lead to ecosystem decline. Additional openings will be considered only after officials confirm that existing sites remain stable under controlled tourism pressure.

Growing Interest in Specialised Nature-Based Experiences

Beyond beaches and water sports, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are building momentum in niche tourism categories that highlight the region’s natural strengths. Birdwatching is rapidly becoming a major attraction, thanks to the islands’ impressive collection of endemic species. Forest paths, mangrove wetlands and quiet coastal zones offer bird enthusiasts abundant opportunities for rare sightings in a compact geographical area.

Another rising segment is astro-tourism. With some of the darkest natural skies in the country and minimal industrial activity, the islands offer uninterrupted views of celestial bodies. Travelers can observe star clusters, constellations from both hemispheres, and wide swathes of the night sky thanks to the absence of artificial lighting in many parts of the archipelago.

A dedicated astro-tourism policy has been introduced to support this niche. It includes training for local guides, the establishment of designated dark-sky areas, certification systems for sky-viewing professionals and optional visitor registration that provides alerts about upcoming celestial events such as meteor showers, planetary alignments and lunar phenomena.

Nature-friendly adventure activities continue to draw visitors as well. Snorkeling, diving, sea-walking and recreational fishing remain popular choices for travelers seeking immersive experiences. With tropical waters that support thriving marine biodiversity, the archipelago offers some of the most engaging underwater exploration sites in India.

A Sustainable Vision for the Future

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are shaping a long-term strategy that places ecological protection at the heart of tourism development. By opening islands gradually, regulating visitor numbers in sensitive zones and promoting niche experiences with minimal environmental footprint, the Administration is building a model of growth that benefits both local communities and natural landscapes.

The archipelago is attracting travelers who value quiet beaches, scenic wilderness, rich marine life and unique sky-viewing opportunities. With thoughtful planning and a strong focus on environmental stewardship, the islands are preparing for a future where tourism thrives while nature remains undisturbed—ensuring that their stunning beauty continues to inspire generations to come.