The Tourism Department of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration has announced a skill development training programme for Astro Guides to be conducted in Mayabunder and Little Andaman in March, as part of efforts to diversify tourism offerings and promote experience-based tourism in the Islands.
According to the department, the training programme will be held at Mayabunder from March 5 to 7, 2026, followed by a second session at Little Andaman from March 10 to 12, 2026. The initiative is aimed at building local capacity in astro-tourism by equipping participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills related to night sky observation.
The programme will focus on basic astronomy, identification of celestial objects, telescope handling and interpretation techniques for engaging visitors. Participants will also be introduced to responsible astro-tourism practices to ensure that night-sky activities are conducted in an environmentally sensitive and sustainable manner.
Tourism officials indicated that astro-tourism is being explored as an emerging niche that complements the Islands’ natural advantages, including relatively low light pollution in certain locations. By developing trained local guides, the department aims to enhance visitor experiences while creating alternative livelihood opportunities for island youth and tourism stakeholders.
The training is open to interested local youth, tourism service providers and nature enthusiasts who meet the eligibility criteria prescribed by the department. Applicants must be below 40 years of age and possess a minimum educational qualification of Class 12 from a recognized board or university.
Interested candidates have been advised to submit their applications to the Planning Section of the Directorate of Tourism on or before March 2 by 3 pm. Application forms are available on the official website of the Tourism Department, and submissions can also be made through the online link provided by the department.
Officials noted that the programme is part of a broader strategy to promote sustainable tourism practices that go beyond conventional sightseeing. By introducing skill-based training aligned with emerging tourism segments, the department aims to encourage community participation and retain economic benefits within local areas.
The initiative is also expected to support responsible tourism by sensitizing participants to visitor management, interpretation ethics and environmental considerations associated with night-time activities. Trained astro guides are likely to play a role in balancing tourism growth with conservation priorities.
With the scheduled programmes in Mayabunder and Little Andaman, the Tourism Department aims to expand the footprint of astro-tourism across different regions of the Islands while providing structured learning opportunities for aspiring guides. The department has indicated that similar capacity-building initiatives may be introduced in other niche tourism segments in the future.
