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TRAVEL & TOURISM JULY 24, 2026 | The Indian Eye 45

Andaman to Add Eight New Scuba New Zealand

Diving Sites to Boost Tourism Steps Up India
Tourism Push

ourism New Zealand is inten-
sifying its engagement with the
TIndian travel market through
a series of trade initiatives, including
an October multi-city roadshow and
the Kiwi Link trade event in Goa, as it
seeks to capitalize on India’s growing
outbound travel demand and deepen
industry partnerships.
The expanded outreach comes
amid strengthening bilateral rela-
tions between India and New Zea-
land and reflects the destination’s
strategy to position itself as a year-
round holiday choice for Indian trav-
elers. Tourism New Zealand is work-
ing closely with travel trade partners
to enhance destination knowledge,
build stronger business networks and
promote a wider range of tourism ex-
periences across the country.
As part of the campaign, Tour-
ism New Zealand has launched a six-
city trade roadshow, bringing togeth-
er New Zealand tourism operators
he Andaman and Nicobar Ad- encouraging tourists to explore less- hood opportunities for local commu- and leading Indian travel companies.
ministration is set to expand its er-known destinations in the archi- nities. The additional dive sites are
Tscuba diving tourism network pelago. expected to generate employment The initiative aims to equip travel ad-
visors with updated product informa-
by introducing eight new dive sites The Directorate of Information, for dive instructors, boat operators, tion while fostering new commercial
in the North and Middle Andaman Publicity and Tourism, in collabora- hospitality businesses and other tour- partnerships that can drive visitor
regions, marking a significant step to- tion with Scuba Schools Internation- ism-related service providers. arrivals from India. Industry inter-
wards promoting sustainable adven- al (SSI), identified the sites following The Andaman and Nicobar actions will culminate at Kiwi Link
ture tourism and diversifying visitor surveys to assess marine conditions, Islands are already recognized as India in Goa, where New Zealand
experiences across the islands. safety standards and diving potential. one of India’s premier scuba diving suppliers will meet Indian product
The newly identified sites are lo- The initiative is expected to attract destinations, drawing thousands of
cated in Diglipur and Mayabunder, both beginner and experienced div- domestic and international tourists managers and tour operators through
pre-scheduled business meetings.
areas known for their rich marine ers by offering a wider range of un- each year. The tourism drive coincides with
biodiversity, pristine coral reefs and derwater experiences. The expansion of diving infra- a broader expansion in India-New
relatively unexplored underwater Officials said the move aligns structure is expected to strengthen Zealand ties. The two countries re-
ecosystems. Tourism officials believe with the administration’s broader the islands’ position in the adventure cently elevated their relationship to
the expansion will reduce pressure strategy of promoting eco-friendly tourism sector while supporting bal- a Strategic Partnership which seeks
on existing diving hotspots while tourism while creating new liveli- anced regional tourism development.
to strengthen cooperation across
trade, education, tourism and peo-
India Eases Yemen Special Travel Restrictions ple-to-people exchanges. The New
Zealand government has identified
India as a priority market, citing its
he Government of India has civil war, when deteriorating securi- and undertake any unavoidable visits fast-growing economy, expanding
withdrawn the special travel ty conditions prompted India to re- only after carefully assessing local middle class and strong potential for
Tconditions imposed on Indian strict travel under the Passports Act. conditions. Travelers have also been outbound travel.
nationals travelling to Yemen, re- The order rendered Indian passports urged to stay away from active con- Travel remains one of the most
voking a 2017 notification that had invalid for travel to Yemen unless flict zones. significant services connecting the
declared Indian passports invalid specifically endorsed by the govern- The ministry further advised two nations, alongside education and
for travel to the conflict-hit nation ment, with violations attracting legal Indians currently residing in Yemen business exchanges. With sustained
without special permission. The consequences, including passport im- to remain vigilant, minimize move- marketing efforts, enhanced trade en-
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) poundment or revocation. ment, and follow local security ad- gagement and closer bilateral cooper-
announced the decision while con- While the withdrawal removes visories. Those living in or travelling ation, Tourism New Zealand expects
tinuing to caution citizens against these special travel conditions, the to Yemen have also been asked to to strengthen its presence in India and
non-essential travel due to the fragile MEA stressed that Yemen continues register with the Embassy of India in encourage more travelers to explore
security situation in the country. to face significant security challeng- Riyadh to enable better communica- the country’s natural landscapes, ad-
The 2017 notification had been es. Indian nationals have been ad- tion and facilitate assistance during venture experiences and indigenous
introduced at the height of Yemen’s vised to avoid all non-essential travel emergencies. Māori culture throughout the year.

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