Port Blair: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDCO) has attracted strong interest from leading hospitality players for the development of five-star eco-tourism resorts across the archipelago, officials said.

A total of 12 bids have been received for the design, build, finance, operate, and transfer (DBFOT) projects at Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island), Megapode Resort (Port Blair), Aves Island, Long Island, and Smith Island, as part of a public-private partnership (PPP) initiative aimed at promoting sustainable tourism in the Union Territory.

“We have received a good response so far, which includes five bids for the Shaheed Dweep project, four bids for the Megapode Resort redevelopment, two bids for Aves Island, and one bid for Long Island,” said Chanchal Yadav, Managing Director of ANIIDCO.

She added that the bids are currently under technical evaluation, with the highest bidders to be awarded projects following both technical and financial assessments. The Megapode Resort redevelopment is expected to be completed within three years, while the island projects have a four-year completion timeline.

Aves Island to Open for Tourism for the First Time

Among the five locations, Aves Island stands out as a previously uninhabited and inaccessible destination. This marks the first time that the local administration has decided to open up such an island to boost tourism.

Known as Coconut Island for its dense coconut plantations, Aves currently has no accommodation facilities. However, with an estimated investment of Rs 36 crore, a 2.75-hectare five-star eco-resort is planned. The project will feature 50 rooms, and the concessionaire will be allowed to offer activities like scuba diving, game fishing, forest trekking, nature camping, wellness services, and souvenir shopping.

“The five-star eco-tourism resort at Aves is expected to become one of the most sought-after destinations after Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island),” the ANIIDCO official said.

Larger Push for Sustainable Island Tourism

Beyond Aves, tenders have also been floated for the holistic development of 14 more islands under the Holistic Development of Islands (HDI) framework. This includes:

Long Island (Lalaji Bay Beach): Estimated project cost of Rs 391 crore; up to 220 rooms.

Smith Island: Approximate cost Rs 60 crore; 70 rooms.

Shaheed Dweep: Estimated Rs 172 crore investment; 120 rooms.

All resorts are being planned to meet global sustainability benchmarks, including LEED, GRIHA, and Green Globe certifications, while adhering to Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) and environmental protection norms.

Booming Tourist Footfall Fuels Expansion

This development push comes on the back of a record rise in tourist arrivals in the archipelago. In 2024, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands saw a 120% surge in domestic tourists and a 27% increase in foreign arrivals, signalling rising interest in the region’s natural and eco-friendly offerings.

Officials say the new eco-resorts will unlock significant economic potential, create jobs, and strengthen high-end, nature-based tourism, aligning with the national vision of sustainable island development.

“This initiative is a major stride towards the inclusive and environmentally conscious growth of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands,” Yadav noted.