Port Blair, Sept. 13: The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has launched a training programme under the flagship scheme ‘Paryatan Mitra, Paryatan Didi, and Swagatham’. As part of this, a three days training programme was organized from Sept.11 to 13, 2024 at Aapda Prabhandan Bhawan, Link Road in collaboration with the Tourism Department, A & N Administration and Office of India Tourism. The Institute of Hotel Management Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, Kolkata was appointed as the training partner for this program, nominated by the Ministry of Tourism, GoI.
The three days training programme concluded with a valedictory function held in the Training Hall of Aapda Prabhandan Bhawan today. The Director, Tourism, Shri Azharuddin Zahiruddin Quazi, IAS, who was the chief guest on the occasion, handed over the participation certificates to the participants of the training programme.
In his address, the Director, Tourism described Tourism as an important sector contributing to the economy of A&N Islands. He further stated that the Department of IP&T under the guidance of Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (IP&T) and Secretary, Tourism is taking various proactive steps for the promotion of tourism in Isles and this three days training programme is one such initiatives in this direction.
The Director further remarked that though the Department of IP&T acts as facilitator towards promotion of tourism in A&N Islands, the role of tourism stakeholders is equally important in the promotion of tourism in Isles in the sense that they interact with tourists who carries good memories and experiences from such interests. He mentioned that the local community and the tourism stakeholders must understand their vital role in boosting tourism and this training programme, will certainly help in enhancing their soft skills which will help them in dealing with tourists.
The Director, Tourism also thanked the Ministry of Tourism, India Tourism Office, Staff of Tourism Department, A & N Administration and the Institute of Hotel Management Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, Kolkata for the successful completion of the training.
The inaugural training session which began on September 11 focused on ‘Paryatan Didi’ initiative, which aims to empower 30 Self-Help Groups (SHGs). This program was designed to elevate women's role in the tourism and hospitality sectors, fostering responsible and sustainable tourism in the A&N Islands. Subsequently, training was conducted under ‘Paryatan Mitra’ initiative, involving food vendors and prepaid taxi drivers on Sept. 12 &13, 2024. Each batch consisted of 30 trainees and the sessions were designed to enhance their skills and knowledge in these vital areas of tourism.
In her address, Smt. Rabia Bibi, Manager, Tourism, Directorate of IP&T highlighted that the Ministry of Tourism has identified seven key tourist destinations for these training programs, with A&N Islands being one of the selected locations.
The Faculty from Institute of Hotel Management Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, Kolkata, Shri Sunit Mondal stated that this training will make the SHG and other group members self reliant.
On the concluding day of the training, certificates were awarded to approximately 95 successful trainees, including SHG members, food vendors and taxi drivers. The certificates were presented jointly by Shri S Ramakrishnan, Assistant Director of India Tourism, GoI, and the Manager (Operational) of the Tourism Department.
Feedbacks from trainees were obtained. The participants Lily Grace NRLM (SHG), Shaktivel (Food Vendor) and Shri Pramod (Cab Operator) said that they have found these training programmes very impactful, which can be implemented in their daily routine while providing services to tourists.