Report prepared for tourism potential of five islands in Lakshadweep: Alphons

Niti Aayog has taken up the development of identified Islands and a report has been prepared for five islands in Lakshadweep with regards to hotel accommodation, connectivity and other facilities, Tourism Minister K J Alphons told Lok Sabha today.

The five identified islands are Minicoy Island, Bangaram Island, Thinnakara Island, Cheriyam Island and Suheli Island.

"NITI Aayog has taken up the holistic development of identified Islands and the final site potential development report has been prepared for five islands in Lakshadweep... The development of projects for identified islands has been planned in consultation with Lakshadweep Administration.

This includes the aspects of hotel accommodation, connectivity and other tourist facilities as per the carrying capacity of these islands, the minister said.

Further, an Airport at Minicoy has been proposed for construction by Indian Air Force which would also be available for use by civilian aircrafts, Alphons said.

As many as 17,241 domestic and 1,173 foreign tourists visited Lakshwadeep Islands in 2015-16, he said, adding it stood at 8216 domestic and 753 foreign tourists during 2016-17.

In 2017-2018, the figure for domestic tourists stood at 6,620 while foreign tourists was at 1,027.