The Astro Tourism Guide Training Workshop in Andaman continued into its second day with an array of interactive sessions, blending science, sustainability, and innovation to shape the next generation of star guides in the Islands. Organised by the Andaman & Nicobar Tourism Department in collaboration with the Open Space Foundation and C-STERC, the workshop aimed to promote responsible astro-tourism through practical skill-building and awareness.
The sessions were led by astronomy educators and ISRO Space Tutors Anupama Pradeepan and Bharat Kumar Velusamy, with support from Uday Bhasker, Founder and Astro Communicator at Andaman Stargazing. Their expertise helped participants navigate complex concepts ranging from light pollution to the use of AI in tourism design.
The day began with a detailed discussion on Dark Sky Preservation and Light Pollution Awareness, emphasizing the importance of protecting the night sky from artificial lighting. Participants explored how international policies and local initiatives can together ensure that pristine skies in the Andamans remain a sustainable tourism asset.
Following the theory sessions, trainees took part in solar observation activities, learning the principles of daytime astronomy. The hands-on exercises gave participants an opportunity to observe solar phenomena safely and understand how such activities could enhance visitor engagement during daylight hours.
A major highlight of the day was the telescope handling and alignment module, which helped participants gain confidence in operating telescopes and accurately focusing on celestial objects. They were also trained in using Stellarium software, a digital planetarium tool widely used in astronomy education — to plan night sky observation sessions.
The workshop moved into more advanced discussions in the afternoon, with sessions on Astro-Tourism Opportunities and Experience Design. Trainers guided participants through every aspect of developing astro-tourism experiences, including selecting observation sites, designing itineraries, and incorporating AI tools to create promotional materials such as posters and social media visuals. The use of AI in tourism branding was highlighted as an emerging trend to make astronomy-based tourism more accessible and appealing to global audiences.
Participants were divided into teams to apply their learning in a final interactive exercise, designing their own one-day Astro Tourism itinerary for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The activity combined theoretical knowledge with creative thinking, encouraging trainees to conceptualize guided experiences that balance entertainment, education, and ecological sensitivity.
Organizers noted that this initiative reflects the growing global interest in astro-tourism as a form of sustainable travel that aligns with the Islands’ natural assets. With increasing awareness about the importance of dark skies, regions like the Andamans have a unique opportunity to position themselves as destinations for stargazing, astronomy education, and eco-friendly night tourism.
By integrating technology, scientific education, and creative experience design, the workshop has laid a foundation for building local expertise in a niche yet rapidly expanding segment of tourism. The participants’ enthusiasm and innovation during the second day’s sessions underscored the potential of the Andamans to emerge as a leading destination for astro-tourism in India.
The concluding session saw participants presenting their draft itineraries, which will be refined over the coming days. The ongoing workshop continues to focus on creating a self-sustaining network of trained guides who can introduce both residents and visitors to the wonders of the night sky, responsibly and sustainably.
