Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 25 March 2025
The valedictory function of the 12-day Skill Development Training Program on Tour Guide, organized by the Department of Tourism in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM), Bhubaneswar, concluded on March 24, 2025, at the Training Hall of the Directorate of Disaster Management. The program, which ran from March 12 to March 24, was aimed at equipping aspiring tour guides with essential skills and knowledge required for professional tour guiding in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Addressing the participants at the valedictory function, Mr. Azharuddin Zahiruddin Quazi, IAS, Director (Tourism), congratulated the trainees on successfully completing the program. He acknowledged the Department’s dedicated efforts in organizing this training and securing collaboration with one of the country’s premier institutes for this certification course. Mr. Quazi emphasized the importance of the recently launched Policy on Bird-Watching and the upcoming Policy on Astro-Tourism, highlighting their potential to open new avenues in the local tourism sector. He noted that the orientation on French language provided during the training would enable the participants to cater to a wider range of international tourists, further enhancing their professional capabilities. He remarked that this certification course plays a crucial role in enhancing the participants’ skills and preparing them for a successful career in the tourism sector.
During the 12-day program, the participants gained insights into various aspects of tour guiding, including the concepts of Atithi Devo Bhava, the conceptual framework of tourism, the code of conduct for tourist guides, travel formalities and regulations, the cultural history of India and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, communication skills and personality development, understanding group behaviour, and tour guiding techniques. The trainees were also trained in ensuring the safety and security of tourists and were familiarised with the PAT regulations applicable in the region.
The participants received an introduction and orientation on the French language to develop language proficiency and improve communication skills. As part of the training, they were provided with field exposure through visits to museums, heritage sites, nature parks, and Netaji Subash Chandra Bose Island. The trainees also performed role-plays as tour guides at various destinations to develop practical expertise and build confidence in handling real-time situations.
Dr. Swajan, a resource person from IITTM, extended a warm welcome to attendees and appreciated the dedication shown by the participants throughout the program. Dr. Subramanian, also from IITTM Bhubaneswar, in his concluding remarks, thanked the Department of Tourism for its proactive initiative in skilling 100 youth to enhance their employability in the tourism sector. This rigorous training is expected to bridge the gap of professionally trained tour guides in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, contributing significantly to improving the quality of services offered to tourists visiting the region.