Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct 19: To promote the niche segment of Astro Tourism and to develop Astro Tourism community in A&N Islands, a 3- days ‘Astro Tourism Guide Training Programme’ on the topic ‘Training Workshop on Stargazing & Fundamentals of Astro Tourism’ for local youth of A&N Islands got underway today in the conference hall of the Disaster Management Department here. Being organized by the Directorate of Information, Publicity & Tourism, in collaboration with Open Space Foundation and C-STERC, the all- important training programme was inaugurated by the Director (Tourism), Mr. Vinayak Chamadia, IAS as the chief guest. Good number of participants from Sri Vijaya Puram and Swaraj Dweep is participating in the training, first of its kind initiative in the Islands to promote Astro Tourism as a sustainable tourism and development model, for which the Tourism Department has roped in experts from Open Space Foundation, Coimbatore & C-STERC Techno Science Coimbatore and ISRO Space Tutors.
In his address on the occasion, the Director (Tourism) stated that Astro Tourism is a niche and growing segment and it has immense scope in A&N Islands. With its pristine, unpolluted skies and geographic advantage, our Islands offer one of the most ideal settings for celestial observation in the country, he said. By tapping into this potential, the Department of Tourism is not only adding a new dimension to the Islands’ appeal but also creating opportunities for local youth to be involved in Astro- tourism through guiding, equipment handling and scientific learning, the Director said urging the participants to take the training seriously and get their doubts clarified so as to learn the basics of Astro Tourism.
The Director further informed that an ‘Astro Tourism Policy’ has been prepared for A&N Islands and effort is on to create Astro Tourism Community involving the youth and other stakeholders for making A&N Islands a unique destination for space enthusiasts, and tourists alike. He emphasized the need to integrate dark sky preservation and community-led astro experiences into the region’s broader eco-tourism strategy.
Currently, Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep and Beodnabad & Chidiyatapu in South Andaman has been identified as Astro Tourism spots, the Director said adding that more sites will be identified covering other areas & Islands too which will provide suitable conditions for night-sky tourism and promote A&N Islands as a preferred Astro Tourism destination. The Director also appreciated the team of Andaman Stargazing for their effort in promoting Astro Tourism in Isles.
The training was facilitated by Ms. Anupama Pradeepan and Mr. Bharat Kumar, Astronomy Educators with C-STERC and Open Space Foundation, and ISRO Space Tutors, along with Mr. Uday Bhasker Founder & Astro Communicator at Andaman Stargazing. The sessions covered a wide range of topics including Fundamentals of Astronomy, Telescope Operation and Observation Techniques, Constellation Mapping, Dark Sky Awareness, and Astro Tourism Policy Frameworks. The C-STERC and Open Space Foundation expressed their commitment to continue supporting the Andaman administration in building capacity and awareness for Astro Tourism, fostering both local employment and scientific curiosity among youth.
Earlier, the Manager (Tourism), Mr. Firoz Khan welcomed the participants in the training programme.
