In a major push toward sustainable and community-based tourism, the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTTB) has launched a government-supported initiative to train 500 local youth as certified Astro-Tourism Guides. The program, rolled out in collaboration with Starscapes and the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), will run from October 2025 to March 2026.
Tripartite Partnership for Impactful Execution
Under a formal tripartite agreement, UTTB will function as the sponsoring authority, Starscapes as the training partner, and THSC as the executing partner. The goal is to integrate astronomy, hospitality, and sustainable tourism into a certified vocational program aligned with the Government of India’s Skill Development Mission.
Certified Training for Emerging Astro-Tourism Careers
The curriculum will equip participants with in-depth astronomy knowledge, telescope operation skills, and training in hospitality, marketing, and community engagement. Upon completion, trainees will receive nationally recognized certification, opening employment pathways in both private and government tourism sectors.
Training Across 14 Tourist Hubs in Uttarakhand
Training sessions will take place in key tourism destinations including Dehradun, Rishikesh, Munsiyari, Almora, Nainital, Chopta, Karnaprayag, and Tehri, among others. These regions will serve as focal points for dark sky conservation and responsible tourism development.
Empowering Local Youth, Boosting Homestays and Rural Livelihoods
Designed specifically for local youth, the initiative aims to strengthen grassroots tourism, especially homestay-based and village tourism models. The trained astro guides will contribute to preserving the night sky, reducing light pollution, and offering tourist experiences that blend science, culture, and sustainability.
National Recognition Through Skill Certification
The program’s curriculum has been formally certified by the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council, a government body under India’s national skilling framework. This not only enhances employability but also gives formal recognition to astro-tourism as an emerging sector.
Voices from the Initiative: Stakeholders Speak
Mr. Vivek Shandilya, Vice President of Business Development at THSC, remarked, “This program will build a future of community-led, responsible tourism and economic empowerment.”
Mrs. Poonam Chand, Additional Director at UTTB, stated, “We are aligning our tourism vision with sustainability, livelihood creation, and dark sky preservation.”
Mr. Ramashish Ray, Founder of Starscapes, emphasized, “We’re not just training individuals, we’re creating a community of astronomy advocates who can lead local tourism with pride and purpose.”
A Model for Responsible Tourism Nationwide
The initiative is being hailed as India’s first state-level astro-tourism skill program with direct community involvement. It serves as a model for other Himalayan and eco-sensitive states, combining heritage, science, and employment under a sustainable tourism umbrella.
