Archive · 12 Aug 2026
Island territories expand tourism with villas and astro parks
The Indian government is making its island territories more fun to visit.
It is building new places for tourists to stay, like fancy houses over the water in Lakshadweep and tents on the beach.
People can also watch birds, look at stars, and take cruises in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Some beaches have earned a special Blue Flag award for being clean and safe.
A bigger airport is being opened so more planes can bring visitors.
Helicopters and little planes will help people travel between the islands.
Fishing and seaweed farming are also being supported to give island people more jobs.
All of this is to bring more tourists and help the islands grow.
The government is expanding tourism offerings in Lakshadweep and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, including lagoon villas, luxury tents, astro tourism, and bird watching.
Lakshadweep is developing first-of-its-kind lagoon villas at Minicoy, Kadmat, and Suheli islands, with 50 luxury tented stays at Bangaram and 100 tents at Thinnakara operational.
Blue Flag certification has been received by Radhanagar beach at Swaraj Dweep, and Thundi and Kadmat beaches in Lakshadweep, with two more beaches identified for certification.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands opened a new terminal at Veer Savarkar International Airport in Sri Vijaya Puram with capacity for 50 lakh passengers annually.
Tourism growth is supported by new connectivity and Blue Economy initiatives, including seaplane trials, ferry services, seaweed cultivation, and projects under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana.
Eco-tourism projects at Shaheed Dweep, Aves, Long, and Smith Islands, and a Megapode resort brownfield project at Sri Vijaya Puram, are being developed via public-private partnership.
- Who
- Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, representing the Indian government and the administrations of Lakshadweep and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- What
- The government is expanding tourism offerings, including lagoon villas, luxury tents, astro tourism, bird watching, and new connectivity, across the island Union territories.
- When
- Reported in Parliament on Wednesday, August 12, in a written response to a Rajya Sabha question.
- Where
- Lakshadweep (Minicoy, Kadmat, Suheli, Bangaram, Thinnakara, Agatti, Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Kiltan) and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Sri Vijaya Puram, Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep, Aves, Long, Smith Islands, Diglipur, Car Nicobar, Campbell Bay).
- Why
- Tourism has been identified as a key sector for the economic development of the islands, aimed at attracting more visitors and promoting sustainable economic growth and livelihoods.
- Government body
- Ministry of Home Affairs / Government of India
- Official
- Nityanand Rai, Minister of State for Home
- New airport terminal capacity
- 50 lakh passengers annually (Veer Savarkar International Airport)
- Luxury stays in Lakshadweep
- 50 tents at Bangaram; 100 tents at Thinnakara
- Blue Flag beaches
- Radhanagar (Swaraj Dweep), Thundi (Minicoy), Kadmat; two more identified
- Fixed-wing connectivity planned
- Diglipur, Car Nicobar, Campbell Bay under UDAN scheme
- Seaplane trial sites
- Kavaratti, Agatti, Kadmat, Kalpeni, Kiltan
- Fisheries scheme
- 388 beneficiary projects under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana in Lakshadweep