Starscapes, India’s leading astro-tourism company, has partnered with the Uttarakhand Tourism Board (UTTB) and the Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) to launch a comprehensive skill development initiative aimed at training 500 aspiring Astro-Tourism Guides across the state over the next six months. This fully funded program, supported by the Government of Uttarakhand, combines astronomy education with practical skills in hospitality, marketing, and community engagement.
Under the tripartite agreement, UTTB will serve as the sponsoring authority, Starscapes as the training partner, and THSC as the executing partner.
Recognizing the importance of community involvement in conserving dark skies and reducing light pollution, Starscapes has collaborated with the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council, a government-recognized body under India’s Skill Development Mission, to certify its training curriculum as an official course. This ensures that participants not only gain in-depth knowledge of astronomy and telescope handling but also acquire employable skills that can empower them to pursue careers in astro-tourism and related hospitality services.
The training will be conducted across multiple locations in Uttarakhand, including Dehradun, Rishikesh, Loha Ghat (Champawat), Munsiyari (Pithoragarh), Ramnagar (Nainital), Powri Lansdowne, Almora, Kausani, Karnaprayag, Tehri, Udham Singh Nagar, Nainital, and Chopta.
Targeting local youth, the program is designed to support community-driven tourism initiatives such as homestays. Participants will learn to operate independently while promoting sustainable astro-tourism, contributing to dark sky conservation, and generating income for their communities.
Vivek Shandilya, Vice President, Business Development, Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), “Initiatives like these play a significant role in building a future of community-led and responsible tourism. The ‘Astro-Tourism Guides’ Skill Development Program will equip local youth with the right skill set for promising careers in the field of tourism, empower local economies and help preserve our dark skies. We look forward to working with Uttarakhand Tourism Board and Starscapes to bring formal recognition and certification to this unique program."
Mrs Poonam Chand, Additional Director, Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, "This initiative aligns perfectly with our vision of promoting responsible and community-based tourism in Uttarakhand. By supporting local youth, we are fostering both economic development and environmental conservation."
Commenting on this Ramashish Ray, Founder of Starscapes, said, "At Starscapes, we believe that sustainable impact comes from engaging communities directly. By training local youth astro tourism guides and empowering them with employability skills, we are building a network of advocates who can help conserve our dark skies while creating meaningful livelihood opportunities."
Participants who complete the program will receive government-certified certification, making them eligible for employment within the tourism and hospitality sector, as well as opportunities to collaborate with Starscapes in ongoing community and astro-tourism initiatives.
The program will officially commence in October, and training will continue through March 2026, ensuring a thorough and impactful learning experience across the state.
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