Sri Vijaya Puram, Mar 15: The Directorate of Tourism, Andaman & Nicobar Administration organised an exposure visit for around 100 aspiring Tour Guides and Eco-Tour Guides who are currently undergoing the 12-day Tour Guide and Eco Tour Guide Training Programme being conducted by the Department in coordination with the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM), Bhubaneswar from 9th to 20th March 2026.
As part of the training curriculum, the participants were taken on an educational exposure visit to the geo-heritage site of Barren Island, home to India’s only active volcano located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The visit was organized to provide the trainees with practical exposure to geo-heritage interpretation, marine tourism, and cruise-based sightseeing experiences.
During the exposure visit, the trainees were guided by resource persons from IITTM, Dr. Swajan Shriyon and Dr. N. Subramaniam, Professors from the institute, who provided practical insights and hands-on knowledge on the geological significance of the active volcano, eco-tourism interpretation, and visitor management at unique natural heritage sites. The trainees also gained first-hand understanding of cruise tourism operations and the interpretation of remote island attractions.
The Department stated that such field-based learning experiences form an integral component of the training programme, enabling aspiring guides to develop practical knowledge, interpretation skills, and a deeper understanding of the diverse natural and marine tourism assets of the islands. The initiative is expected to help create a skilled pool of local tourism guides capable of effectively showcasing the unique geo-heritage and eco-tourism attractions of the islands to visitors while promoting responsible and sustainable tourism practices.
