Starscapes, UTTB and THSC UTTARAHAND’s first state Astro-Tourist Guide Training Program, EttravelWorld

In a move to integrate astronomy with sustainable tourism, India’s leading Astro-tourism company has signed a tripartite agreement with Uttarakhand Tourism Board (UTTB) and Tourism and Hospitality Skills (THSC). The fully funded initiative, supported by the Uttarakhand government, will train 500 youth across the state over the next six months.

Under the agreement, UTTB will act as a sponsoring authority, Starscapes as training partner and thsc as implementing partner. Developed by Starscapes and certified by India’s skill development mission, the program’s curriculum will equip participants with astronomy knowledge and tourism-related skills, including telescope management, hospitality management and local engagement experience.

The training will be conducted at multiple locations including Dehradun, Rishikesh, Loha Ghat, Munsiyari, Powri Lansdowne, Almora, Kausani, Karnaprayag, Tehri, Udham Singh Nagar, Nainital and Chopta. Focusing on community participation, the initiative aims to empower local youth to operate independently as certified ASTRO-tourist guides, support host-led tourism and promote dark sky conservation in rural and semi-rural areas of UttarAhand.

Vivek Shandilya – Business Development, Tourism and Hospitality Skills Council, “Initiatives like this,” Initiatives like this, “Initiatives like this,” Tourism and responsible tourism will play a vital role in ensuring the future of responsible tourism and local youth will play a vital role and protect our dark skies. Bring official recognition and certification to this unique program. “

Poonam Chand, Additional Director, Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, said, “This initiative supports both economic development and environmental protection by promoting responsible and community-based tourism and promoting community-based tourism in Uttarakhand.”

“We are building a network of advocates who can help create meaningful livelihood opportunities by implementing Sustainable Impact directly from engaging communities and providing them with employment opportunities,” said Ramashish Ray, Founder of Starscapes.

Participants who complete the program will receive government-recognized certification, employment within the tourism and hospitality sector, and collaboration in ongoing Astro tourism projects. The training begins in October 2025 and will continue through March 2026, providing extensive experience and skill development across multiple regions of Uttarakhand.

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