The heritage tourism industry is transforming cultural preservation into a cornerstone of sustainable progress, as it fosters a sensible balance between preservation and economic growth. To highlight the importance, to face demanding situations and to talk about the way forward for the sector, the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry and KPMG in India presented a report entitled “Heritage Tourism as a Tool for Sustainable Tourism” at the 13th edition of the PHDCCI International Heritage Tourism Conclave. This comprehensive report delves into key areas such as the sector’s central role in sustainability, detailed market research and the critical demand situations it faces. It identifies seven pillars for the sustainable progression of heritage tourism, from effective government projects to strategic marketing and foreign recognition.
Highlighting India’s vast cultural and ancient wealth, the report provides a compelling case study, highlighting the nation’s prospects as a global heritage tourism hotspot. As we navigate the post-pandemic landscape, the report offers recommendations for the heritage tourism sector in India. By attracting visitors to iconic sites such as the Taj Mahal, Hampi and the forts of Rajasthan, the sector will continue to thrive by preserving India’s cultural heritage through conservation efforts, infrastructure improvements and local economic empowerment.
Key highlights include:
Heritage tourism – stage
Heritage tourism in India
Focus on sustainability and tourism
Vivek Agarwal, Director, Public Infrastructure, KPMG India, “Heritage tourism not only celebrates our past, but also shapes our long-term future by fostering economic growth, empowering networks and global cultural exchange. Our research highlights India’s central role in World Heritage tourism, with insight into the strategic pillars of sustainable development. From effective government projects and networking to leveraging generation and strategic marketing, India’s prospects are enormous. As India faces the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, our concepts aim to help policymakers and stakeholders leverage the country’s cultural assets for resilient and sustainable tourism development.
Aalap Bansal, Partner at Industrial and Infrastructure Development Advisory (IIDA), “Embracing India’s rich cultural heritage is not just about preserving our past; it is about forging a sustainable long-term through strategic development. Heritage tourism provides an exclusive opportunity to integrate our historic assets with trendy infrastructure and commercial growth. By investing in our cultural treasures, we not only attract visitors from all over the world, but also boost local economies and encourage the development of networks. Through continued investment in business and infrastructure initiatives, we can build a legacy that honors our heritage.