Sri Vijaya Puram | March 10, 2026
The Directorate of Tourism, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, in association with the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM), Bhubaneswar, has organised a 12-day Eco-Tour Guide Training Programme for local youth to strengthen sustainable tourism practices in the Islands. The programme commenced on Monday at the Conference Hall of Andaman Teal House and will continue till March 20.
The training programme aims to build the capacity of local unemployed youth and tourism stakeholders by equipping them with professional guiding skills, knowledge of eco-tourism practices, visitor management, interpretation of natural heritage and responsible tourism principles. The initiative forms part of the Department’s ongoing efforts to encourage community participation and promote sustainable tourism development across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Addressing the inaugural session, Ms. Anita Yadav, Joint Director (Tourism), highlighted the importance of trained guides in shaping visitors’ experiences. She stressed the need to promote eco-tourism with a strong focus on sustainability and environmental conservation.
She noted that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands possess rich biodiversity, pristine ecosystems and unique natural attractions, and therefore guides must play a proactive role in creating awareness among tourists about responsible behaviour, conservation of fragile ecosystems and protection of marine and coastal environments.
The training programme will feature classroom sessions, interactive discussions and practical exposure on various topics including eco-tourism concepts, biodiversity interpretation, communication skills, visitor management, safety practices and sustainable tourism management.
Participants will be trained by experts and faculty from IITTM, Bhubaneswar, along with resource persons from various Departments and sectors of the tourism industry.
The initiative is expected to create a pool of trained eco-tour guides from the local community, thereby improving the quality of tourism services while ensuring that tourism development in the Islands remains environmentally responsible and sustainable.
