Shaheed Dweep, Oct. 23 : The Astro-tourism Guide Training Workshop at Shaheed Dweep concluded with hands-on learning, experience design, and sustainability training, bringing together 55 participants from across the Island’s tourism community. The Directorate of Information, Publicity & Tourism, in collaboration with
Open Space Foundation and C-STERC organized the Astro-tourism Guide Training Workshop for the benefit of the youth. Apart from the foundational sessions on astronomy and telescope use, Day 2 & 3 of the workshop focused on the business and sustainability dimensions of astro-tourism. Participants explored the astro-tourism industry landscape, identified key stakeholders, and discussed Andaman-specific opportunities in developing dark sky and experiential tourism circuits.
Facilitator, Ms. Anupama Pradeepan, led a series of interactive sessions on experience design, where participants worked on building visitor itineraries, developing games and activities, and mapping personas of target audiences to tailor meaningful, story-based astro-tourism experiences.
The workshop also emphasized responsible and conservation-sensitive tourism practices. Sessions on dark sky preservation, light pollution awareness, and waste management at tourist sites helped participants align with global standards of sustainable tourism. An add-on session by ‘Kachrewale’, a Shaheed Dweep-based environmental NGO, provided practical insights on community waste management and eco-friendly tourism practices.
The three-day program concluded with an oath-taking ceremony, where participants pledged to promote sustainable, inclusive, and environmentally responsible astro-tourism in the A&N Islands. A review and reflection session helped consolidate learnings and plan for future collaborations.
Organized with the support of the A&N Administration, the workshop series marks a significant milestone in positioning the Andamans as a Dark Sky and Sustainable Astro-tourism Destination. It strengthens local capacities, enhances livelihood opportunities, and sets the foundation for a community-led, conservation-driven astro-tourism movement in the Islands.
