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Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ Eco-Tourism Boost: A New Initiative to Promote Birdwatching

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1 week ago

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Sunday, July 27, 2025

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a serene archipelago in India, are stepping up their efforts to position themselves as a leading destination for eco-tourism. The islands, renowned for their pristine landscapes and rich biodiversity, are now focusing on birdwatching tourism as a unique selling point. This initiative aims to attract nature enthusiasts and promote sustainable tourism, with the added goal of raising awareness about the islands’ extensive avian biodiversity. With a growing number of birdwatchers and wildlife photographers visiting the islands, the region is poised to emerge as a new hotspot for eco-conscious travellers seeking rare species and unspoiled natural habitats.

Key Highlights of the New Birdwatching Initiative:

  • Focus on promoting eco-tourism through birdwatching.
  • Aim to raise awareness about the islands’ avian biodiversity.
  • Growing popularity among both domestic and international tourists.
  • Collaborative efforts with the Avian Club of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
  • Focus on sustainable travel practices and community engagement.

Introduction: Andaman and Nicobar Islands Embrace Eco-Tourism with Birdwatching Initiative

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ administration has unveiled an exciting new initiative to boost the region’s eco-tourism potential. By focusing on birdwatching, they aim to highlight the islands’ remarkable biodiversity and create an opportunity for tourists to connect with nature. The initiative was launched with a public lecture held on July 26, 2025, in partnership with the Avian Club of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The event served as an introduction to the ecological value of the islands, positioning birdwatching as a niche segment within the broader eco-tourism campaign.

The archipelago’s rich variety of bird species, many of which are endemic to the region, makes it a highly attractive destination for wildlife enthusiasts. This concerted push to establish birdwatching tourism in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands aligns with global trends favoring responsible travel. By creating a dedicated platform for nature lovers, the islands aim to increase both domestic and international tourism while promoting sustainability.

Through the lecture, ornithologist Arun Singh, a key figure in bird conservation in the region, emphasized the importance of eco-tourism in driving both conservation and sustainable development efforts. As birdwatching grows in popularity, the islands’ pristine ecosystems are poised to become a major draw for birdwatchers, nature photographers, and eco-tourists worldwide.

Key Species and Attractions for Birdwatchers

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to more than 30 endemic bird species, including the Andaman Wood Pigeon, Andaman Crake, and Andaman Serpent Eagle. These species attract birdwatchers seeking to witness rare and unique birds in their natural habitat. The islands are particularly notable for their rarer species like the Ruddy Kingfisher, Black-Naped Tern, and Beach Thick-Knee, which are found almost exclusively in the Andaman Islands or limited regions of Southeast Asia. This offers birdwatchers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to observe birds that are not easily found elsewhere.

The islands’ diverse ecosystems, from pristine forests and wetlands to distinct island ecosystems, provide the ideal backdrop for birdwatching. The Andaman Islands’ growing reputation as a birdwatching hotspot has led to a steady increase in the number of visitors, with tourism professionals and birdwatching enthusiasts alike eager to experience the islands’ rich biodiversity firsthand. The initiative is also expected to highlight the environmental and ecological importance of the islands and help foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

Challenges and Opportunities in Birdwatching Tourism

While the Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer great potential for birdwatching tourism, there are several challenges that need to be addressed. One of the key concerns highlighted by the experts is the ongoing degradation of bird habitats. Wetland reclamation, land conversion, and the introduction of invasive species have been identified as significant threats to the region’s biodiversity. Additionally, illegal hunting using airguns has contributed to the decline of some bird species.

Infrastructure limitations, such as limited access to birdwatching spots, underdeveloped trails, and a shortage of trained guides, also pose hurdles to the growth of birdwatching tourism. These challenges, if left unaddressed, could hinder the islands’ potential to become a premier eco-tourism destination.

However, the administration’s ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and provide more training for local guides are steps in the right direction. By addressing these challenges, the region can unlock the full potential of birdwatching tourism and contribute significantly to both conservation and local economic development.

Promoting Sustainable Tourism Practices

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ new birdwatching initiative emphasizes the importance of sustainable tourism practices. Responsible travel is central to the initiative, with an emphasis on minimizing the impact of tourism on the natural environment. Tourists are encouraged to respect the islands’ fragile ecosystems by following guidelines that protect the birds and their habitats. In addition, the involvement of local communities in tourism activities ensures that the benefits of tourism are shared equitably while promoting conservation awareness.

The campaign aims to foster a sense of community responsibility and awareness about the islands’ environmental significance. By engaging local populations in eco-tourism, the administration hopes to create a sustainable model that benefits both tourists and residents. This community-based approach is crucial for maintaining the balance between tourism growth and environmental preservation.

Growth of Birdwatching Tourism Post-COVID-19

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of birdwatchers visiting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has increased significantly. Travel restrictions during the pandemic led many to rediscover nature and explore less crowded destinations, and the islands have benefited from this shift. The pandemic has made people more conscious of the importance of nature and the need for responsible tourism, making eco-tourism a more attractive option.

With birdwatching growing in popularity, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are positioning themselves as an emerging leader in eco-tourism. The region’s commitment to preserving its biodiversity while offering unique travel experiences is likely to attract more tourists in the coming years, further solidifying its reputation as a premier eco-tourism destination.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Eco-Tourism in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ new birdwatching tourism initiative marks an exciting chapter in the region’s eco-tourism journey. With a focus on sustainability and responsible travel, the islands aim to leverage their unique biodiversity to attract eco-conscious tourists from around the world. The initiative’s success will depend on the region’s ability to address infrastructure challenges, protect endangered species, and engage local communities in conservation efforts.

As birdwatching becomes a major draw for both domestic and international visitors, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are poised to become a leading destination for eco-tourism in India. By highlighting their avian biodiversity and promoting sustainable travel practices, the islands have the potential to offer tourists an unforgettable experience while preserving their natural heritage for future generations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are promoting birdwatching tourism to boost eco-tourism.
  • The initiative focuses on sustainable travel practices and community engagement.
  • The islands are home to over 30 endemic bird species, attracting birdwatchers from around the globe.
  • Addressing infrastructure challenges and habitat protection will be key to the initiative’s success.
  • Post-COVID-19, birdwatching has seen a surge in popularity, positioning the islands as a prime eco-tourism destination.

By strategically focusing on eco-tourism and birdwatching, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are not only protecting their natural assets but also setting a global example for sustainable tourism practices.



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Asia Travel Pulse

Africa’s air travel lags as Asia-Pacific soars in premium growth

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2 hours ago

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August 5, 2025

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JEREMY MAGGS: It’s been a bumpy year for global aviation, with passenger numbers soaring and premium class travel surging ahead. The International Air Transport Association releasing its 2024 World Air Transport Statistics report. Let me tell you, it’s a goldmine of insight into how, where and what the world is flying.

I want to discuss these trends and what they mean for travellers, airlines and regional markets. I’m joined by well-known aviation analyst and commentator Linden Birns. Linden, premium class, this is interesting, growing by nearly 12% last year – that’s faster than many economies. Do you think it’s a post-Covid boom, or a deeper shift maybe in airline economics?

LINDEN BIRNS: Hi Jeremy, I think it’s a combination of two things, and it’s where that growth is taking place. Significantly, that boom in premium class travel is happening in Asia-Pacific. It’s growing at 28%, which is phenomenal. I think if you look across not just last year’s numbers, but also this year, what’s been happening, of course, this year is a very different picture globally because of the three Ts: Trump, trade and tariffs.

Asia-Pacific seems to be, I wouldn’t say immune, but more immune than anyone else. It seems to be a very resilient market.

A lot of strong intra-Asia-Pacific trade and commerce and tourism that’s happening. So we’re seeing there that in the premium market, there were about 21 million premium passengers. It was a year-on-year growth of 22.8% last year, just in that market. We’re seeing similar this year. If we look at June’s numbers for this year, year-on-year, it’s 9% up on the same last year.

Read: The world’s biggest passenger planes keep breaking down

Whereas if we look at Africa, for example, we’re a much smaller market. We only represent about 2% of the global market. We’ve got just under 4 million premium travellers who travelled with African airlines last year, and we’re seeing that market growing at around 5.5% for premium travel, and we’re seeing about 11% for economy travellers. Fifty seven million economy travellers travelled with African airlines last year. But again, if we look across it this year, it’s a lot slower.

Listen: FlySafair strike reveals cracks in SA’s fragile airline market

We’ve seen only a 0.8% rise in demand for passenger travel in the African market in June this year compared to last year. A lot of that’s down to, again, increased competition. The fact that within Africa, we’ve got a very low propensity to travel because of the low per capita income compared to places like Asia-Pacific, Europe and North America.

JEREMY MAGGS: Linden, that observation is in the data, because there are 3.3 million passengers on the Johannesburg to Cape Town route, it’s Africa’s busiest route. It tells us a lot then about intra-country versus cross-border travel on the continent and where the balance is.

LINDEN BIRNS: Yeah, absolutely. I was actually surprised by that number. There are more people who travel between Cape Town and Joburg than travel between New York JFK and Los Angeles.

JEREMY MAGGS: Wow.

LINDEN BIRNS: Last year, they only had 2.2 million passengers on that route. So, yes, it’s a real headache. This actually plays into the broader picture. When the president [Cyril Ramaphosa] says, we need to pivot trade and look at intra-Africa and the African Continental Free Trade Area, [you say] yeah, that’s all very good but can people in those markets afford our products and services?

We’re seeing that reflected, as it is, in demand for air travel and for air cargo. Because they do reflect, they’re a very handy mirror or barometer, whichever analogy you want to use, of the state of trade, commerce and economic health.

JEREMY MAGGS: So Linden, in that respect then, and based on your observation and these trends, where should South Africa be focusing its efforts in order to stay relevant and competitive?

LINDEN BIRNS: I think we need to be doing more everywhere, frankly. What’s a little disconcerting is that the Africa-Asia trade lane was looking very healthy until about May this year. Then suddenly it started reversing. We’ve seen those numbers declining for two consecutive months now. So that’s not a good sign. I don’t know to what extent that’s influenced by seasonality, if it’s to do with the holidays or perishable good exports, I’m not quite sure what it is, but it’s not looking great.

You’d think that we would be a very attractive source market as well as a destination, obviously, for travellers, because of the low cost, the weak rand, and therefore the great value-for-money proposition that we offer for foreign travellers.

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You would also think that we’d be a competitive market for investment. But obviously there are more fundamental issues here that we’ve got to deal with in South Africa. We know what they are, to do with crime, corruption, governance, accountability. It’s all very good having all the other things, if we don’t have those, people aren’t going to come.

Listen: SA’s crumbling airports leave airlines scrambling

JEREMY MAGGS: Interesting to see the Boeing 737 and the Airbus A320 families remain the workhorses of aviation. Why are airlines still leaning so heavily on these two narrowbody jets? Is there no other alternative?

LINDEN BIRNS: I think we’re actually going to see even more use of the narrowbody aircraft, as Boeing and Airbus start filling up their order books. The only other viable alternative in the same category, and we’re talking about aircraft in the 150 to 200 seat bracket, the Brazilians with Embraer make aircraft up to about 125, 130 seats. The only other manufacturer that’s looking at breaking into that market is Comac [Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China]. But the aircraft, first of all, is not yet fully certified and it’s not certified outside of China.

I think there’s going to be an issue around how do they break through the resistance and the inertia in the market. They’re going to have to satisfy the banks that those are solid investments, that they’ll hold their residual value. They’ll have to demonstrate to operators that they have good customer support and that there are deep supply lines.

Read: Boeing CEO no stranger to crisis as 787 crash poses new test

It’s already a frustration in the industry at the moment with a supply chain crisis. You can wait up to three years for some aircraft parts at the moment. That’s also why we’re seeing a lot of the older 737s and A320s remaining in service longer than they would have, because the manufacturers aren’t able to turn them out at the tempo they would have preferred to.

They were hoping to be producing them at around about 60 a month each, but they’re down currently at about 30 and 40. That’s meaning that airlines have to keep older aircraft in service for longer than they’d originally intended.

JEREMY MAGGS: Linden, just a quick one in conclusion. Middle East has the highest share of premium passengers. Latin America, Europe, North America all seeing premium travel outpace economy. So fair to say then, that business travel is back now with a vengeance, or at least being redefined in one way or another?

LINDEN BIRNS: I think so. Certainly, last year, remember this report is 2024 numbers and that’s why I qualified it, saying a lot has changed since then. Let’s see how this year pans out. It will be fascinating to see if that buoyancy and optimism that characterised last year, in terms of trade and commerce, continues and that activity.

People obviously still see a lot of value in premium travel. It’s a very competitive space.

As South Africans, I think we are seeing it becoming more and more expensive, relatively speaking. But obviously, for everyone else, that’s seen as a good value proposition.

JEREMY MAGGS: Linden Birns, as always, thank you very much indeed.

Read: These are the world’s busiest airports

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Thailand Focuses on Luxury Tourism to Maximize Growth Amid Regional Challenges

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6 hours ago

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August 5, 2025

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Home » ASIA » Thailand Focuses on Luxury Tourism to Maximize Growth Amid Regional Challenges

Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Thailand has reached an unprecedented milestone, outpacing its tourism peak of 40 million visitors. But the country now faces the challenge of adapting to the evolving global tourism landscape. The growing number of affluent travelers from the Asia-Pacific region, particularly from countries like China and India, presents a unique opportunity for Thailand’s luxury tourism sector to thrive. However, experts argue that the country must implement a comprehensive strategy to capitalize on this rising demand and maintain competitiveness with other regional tourism giants.

In a bid to tap into this lucrative market, Thailand is being urged to embrace targeted luxury marketing strategies, alongside new public-private partnerships. This approach is essential to attract high-spending tourists, particularly those in the upper-middle and affluent classes across the Asia-Pacific region, who are increasingly opting for regional travel experiences. Despite these opportunities, Thailand’s tourism sector faces challenges, including the delay of key legislation that could enhance the country’s appeal as a luxury destination.

The delay in passing the entertainment complex bill has been highlighted as a major obstacle, as it prevents Thailand from keeping pace with other emerging destinations in the region. Countries such as Singapore, the UAE, and Vietnam have already made significant investments in integrated resorts and luxury tourism, creating world-class experiences for affluent travelers. Meanwhile, Thailand is at risk of falling behind, missing out on the chance to leverage its tourism strengths such as hospitality, wellness, and cultural offerings.

Luxury Tourism in the Asia-Pacific Region: A Growing Market

The Asia-Pacific region, which generated over 648 million tourism trips last year, is expected to continue its growth trajectory, with projections indicating nearly 700 million trips this year and over 800 million by 2027. The region’s expanding middle class, particularly in India and China, is fueling demand for luxury travel experiences both within Asia and internationally.

China alone boasts over 6.2 million affluent individuals, along with 168 million people in the upper-middle class, making it a key driver of luxury tourism. As these travelers increasingly seek high-end tourism experiences, Thailand, with its rich cultural heritage, luxurious resorts, and warm hospitality, is well-positioned to capture a share of this market. However, despite Bangkok’s status as one of the most visited cities globally, the country faces hurdles, including a decline in Chinese tourist arrivals due to perceived safety issues, such as border scams and regional tensions.

The Road Ahead: Integrating Resorts and Addressing Safety Concerns

In the short term, Thailand must focus on addressing these safety concerns, which are a top priority for high-net-worth individuals. The government is encouraged to enhance tourism promotion efforts, utilizing global celebrities and influencers to change negative perceptions. Additionally, cracking down on illegal activities, such as scams targeting tourists, is crucial to ensuring a secure environment for visitors.

Moreover, the tourism sector would benefit from the enhancement of Thailand’s official tourism websites, making them more user-friendly and appealing to international audiences. Drawing inspiration from successful national tourism websites such as that of Japan, Thailand could significantly improve how information is accessed by prospective travelers.

The focus on integrated resorts is another key area of development for the country. Integrated resorts, which combine luxury hotels, entertainment venues, wellness centers, and gaming facilities, are crucial to attracting affluent tourists seeking diverse and high-quality experiences. Thailand has the opportunity to leverage its strengths and build on successful models from other destinations, including the latest projects in Macau and Singapore. However, the delay in passing the entertainment complex bill is limiting the country’s ability to create these integrated resorts, leaving it vulnerable to competition from other destinations that have already made substantial investments in their tourism infrastructure.

Looking to the Future: A Strategic Shift for Thailand’s Luxury Tourism

To compete effectively with the likes of Singapore, the UAE, and emerging destinations such as Vietnam, Thailand must accelerate its efforts in the luxury tourism sector. This includes developing new infrastructure, expanding public-private partnerships, and creating unique, world-class experiences for travelers. Integrated resorts, similar to those being developed in Singapore’s Sentosa and Marina Bay Sands, as well as in Vietnam, could play a pivotal role in boosting the country’s appeal.

As Thailand looks to strengthen its position as a premier destination for luxury tourism, the role of private investors, such as Galaxy Entertainment Group, is critical. These companies can complement the country’s existing tourism strengths and help build attractions that appeal to the growing demand for high-end travel experiences in the region.

Despite the challenges, Thailand remains optimistic about its potential in the luxury tourism market. With the right strategic investments and a focus on safety and unique offerings, the country can continue to attract affluent travelers and maintain its competitive edge in the Asia-Pacific tourism industry.



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Cavin Loh’s Appointment as Regional General Manager Marks a New Chapter in Plaza Premium Group’s Expansion Strategy for Asia’s Rapidly Growing Travel Market

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August 5, 2025

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Home » ASIA » Cavin Loh’s Appointment as Regional General Manager Marks a New Chapter in Plaza Premium Group’s Expansion Strategy for Asia’s Rapidly Growing Travel Market

Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Cavin Loh’s promotion to Regional General Manager signals an exciting new phase for Plaza Premium Group as it pushes further into Asia’s booming travel scene. With more than 15 years in hospitality and airport services, Loh brings the experience needed to propel growth across Southeast Asia, where travel volume keeps rising. His track record and in-depth knowledge of the region’s operations will help the company strengthen its foothold in Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Thailand, perfectly aligning it with surging demand for premium airport services. Loh’s clear strategic vision will guide the Group in spotting and seizing the travel trends shaping Southeast Asia.

Plaza Premium Group (PPG), a leader in premium airport services, has recently announced the promotion of Cavin Loh to the position of Regional General Manager for Southeast Asia, overseeing Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Thailand. With a wealth of over 15 years in the hospitality and airport services industries, Loh has been a key member of the Plaza Premium Group team for more than a decade. His deep expertise and dedication to excellence have been critical in advancing the company’s regional success.

A Proven Leader in the Hospitality Industry

Cavin Loh’s career trajectory at PPG has been marked by a series of leadership roles that have strengthened his strategic insight into the regional market dynamics. Prior to this promotion, he served as the Area General Manager and Regional Commercial Director for Southeast Asia. These roles have equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of operations across diverse Southeast Asian markets, ensuring that PPG’s services are tailored to meet the distinct needs of each region.

In his new role, Loh will drive the continued growth, operational efficiency, and commercial success of Plaza Premium Group in Southeast Asia. His leadership will align the company’s objectives with its global strategies, all while focusing on localized adaptations that cater to specific market demands.

Strategic Focus on Operational Excellence and Growth

As Regional General Manager, Loh’s primary objective will be to enhance PPG’s presence across the Southeast Asian airports. The role will involve overseeing the strategic direction of the company’s services, ensuring operational excellence, and maximizing commercial performance. By leveraging his in-depth knowledge of the market, Loh is expected to guide PPG’s expansion efforts in these high-growth regions, aligning them with global trends in the travel and airport service sectors.

Loh’s leadership approach is grounded in his analytical thinking and ability to deliver measurable business outcomes. He is highly regarded for his long-term strategic planning, which has consistently contributed to PPG’s business development and the continuous evolution of its premium travel services. This strategy-driven approach has been pivotal in shaping the company’s competitive edge in Southeast Asia.

A Strong Foundation in Hospitality

Loh’s journey in the hospitality sector began in the hotel industry, where he honed a strong foundation in customer service and operational management. These experiences have not only shaped his leadership style but have also enabled him to better understand the complexities of the travel and tourism industry, a crucial asset in his role at PPG. His extensive background allows him to bridge the gap between hospitality services and the evolving needs of the airport sector, ensuring that PPG’s services remain in tune with passenger expectations.

His approach to leadership emphasizes customer-centricity, operational efficiency, and a commitment to continuous improvement—all values that align with Plaza Premium Group’s mission to make travel better for passengers around the world. Under his guidance, PPG is poised to continue its expansion, providing travelers with unparalleled airport lounge experiences and enhancing the overall travel journey.

Personal Passions and Leadership Philosophy

Outside of his professional achievements, Cavin Loh is known for his passion for travel and sports, interests that resonate with the company’s dynamic and forward-thinking culture. His personal commitment to service excellence mirrors Plaza Premium Group’s dedication to improving travel experiences for passengers globally.

As Southeast Asia remains one of the fastest-growing regions in the global travel landscape, the appointment of Cavin Loh underscores Plaza Premium Group’s continued investment in leadership talent capable of navigating the complex demands of the travel industry. With his strategic vision and proven track record, Loh’s leadership is expected to bolster PPG’s standing as a premium service provider in airports throughout Southeast Asia.

Cavin Loh’s new role as Regional General Manager signals a key moment for Plaza Premium Group as it pursues its growth strategy for Southeast Asia. His strong leadership will help the company capitalize on the region’s booming travel demand and deepen its market reach.

Under Loh’s guidance, Plaza Premium Group can continue expanding its presence across Southeast Asia. With years of hospitality experience and keen insights into local market trends, he is prepared to fine-tune the company’s services to match evolving traveler expectations. As demand for travel grows, Loh will shape strategies that ensure superior airport experiences, lifting service levels in Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Thailand.



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