A major capacity-building initiative aimed at strengthening tourism services in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has begun with the launch of two training programmes designed to equip local youth with professional tour guiding skills and eco-tourism knowledge.
The Directorate of Tourism, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM), Bhubaneswar, has initiated a 12-day training effort targeting unemployed youth and tourism stakeholders across the islands. The programmes, which began on March 9, will continue until March 20 and are being conducted at two venues in Sri Vijaya Puram.
One of the programmes focuses specifically on eco-tourism guiding and is being held at the Conference Hall of Andaman Teal House. The second programme, designed as a comprehensive tour guide training initiative, is being conducted at the Training Hall of the Disaster Management Department. Together, the programmes are intended to build a skilled pool of local guides capable of supporting the rapidly expanding tourism sector in the archipelago.
Officials said the training initiative is part of the administration’s broader strategy to encourage community participation in tourism development while ensuring that the growth of the sector remains environmentally responsible. By providing structured training and professional exposure, the programme aims to prepare participants to engage effectively with visitors while also promoting awareness about the islands’ ecological and cultural heritage.
The eco-tour guide training programme places particular emphasis on sustainable tourism practices. Participants are being introduced to core concepts of eco-tourism, biodiversity interpretation, visitor management, and responsible tourism behaviour. The sessions are also designed to familiarise trainees with the natural ecosystems and fragile environments that define the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, including marine and coastal habitats.
Officials highlighted that trained guides can play a critical role in shaping visitor experiences while also encouraging tourists to adopt environmentally responsible behaviour. The islands are known for their rich biodiversity, pristine ecosystems, and unique natural attractions, making the role of guides particularly significant in promoting conservation-oriented tourism practices.
The training modules combine classroom learning with interactive discussions and practical exposure. Participants are being trained in areas such as communication skills, interpretation of natural heritage, visitor handling, safety practices, and sustainable tourism management. Experts from IITTM Bhubaneswar, along with resource persons from various government departments and tourism sectors, are conducting the sessions.
The parallel tour guide training programme is structured to provide participants with a broader understanding of the tourism landscape in the islands. The curriculum includes destination knowledge, guiding techniques, communication abilities, visitor management, and heritage awareness.
Officials involved in the programme said the islands offer diverse tourism experiences ranging from natural and eco-tourism attractions to historical and adventure-based tourism. Well-trained guides are expected to play a crucial role in presenting authentic and accurate information about these destinations to visitors arriving from different parts of the country and abroad.
By strengthening professional guiding services, the administration expects to improve the overall quality of tourism experiences in the islands. The initiative is also expected to create livelihood opportunities for local youth, particularly those seeking employment in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
The training programmes are also aligned with broader efforts to ensure that tourism development in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands remains sustainable and sensitive to the ecological characteristics of the region. Officials said the involvement of local communities and trained professionals is essential for maintaining the delicate balance between tourism growth and environmental protection.
Upon completion of the programme, participants are expected to emerge with enhanced knowledge and skills that will enable them to serve as guides and ambassadors of the islands’ tourism sector. Authorities believe that creating a trained local workforce will contribute to both improved visitor services and long-term sustainable tourism planning in the region.
