"To raise this figure to at least 10 percent - which is a benchmark for any country to demonstrate that it is in a stable scenario - specific strategies are needed," said Suman Billa during the opening ceremony of the 11th Convention India Annual. Heritage Hotels Association, which will be held at Indeco Hotel Swamimalai, Kumbakonam in Thanjavur of Tamil Nadu.
He added that these include decongesting popular tourist sites, developing new destinations, improving air connectivity to key markets and making hotels more attractive to both leisure and business travellers.
"In addition, states should focus on improving the ease of doing business and creating favorable conditions for investment," he said.
Speaking specifically about heritage, Billa emphasized that while India has world-class heritage sites, the visitor experience at these places is often lacking.
To address this, the Archaeological Survey of India and the Ministry of Tourism must collaborate to improve the overall tourism experience. Storytelling plays a vital role in creating a rich and immersive context for visitors, and the development of interpretation centres, museums and other facilities can help unlock the full potential of these sites.
Plus, incorporating good food, entertainment, and other amenities can further enhance the experience. Fostering livelihoods around these monuments is essential, and a robust framework for adaptive reuse of heritage is crucial. There is also an urgent need to accelerate conservation project proposals and attract more investments to ensure the preservation and growth of these heritage sites.
Puducherry Tourism Minister K. Lakshminarayanan highlighted that the theme of this year's IHHA Convention, 'Revitalizing Indian Heritage', is very relevant as IHHA has played a pivotal role in developing world-class destinations throughout India.
He praised the commendable efforts of IHHA in promoting tourism products across the country. He highlighted Puducherry as a unique destination that beautifully blends Tamil and European cultures, adding that the government has identified over 100 buildings to preserve as heritage structures.
He further informed that Puducherry also received a UNESCO award for the cultural heritage conservation project for restoration of a Puducherry street to its ancient architectural features.
IHHA honorary president Gaj Singh of Jodhpur said a key pillar of IHHA's vision has been sustainable preservation.
“By employing green construction methods and restoration techniques, we ensure the longevity of heritage sites and minimize environmental impact. These efforts focus on protecting natural ecosystems and creating a harmonious balance between tourism growth and conservation. Indeco Swamimalai is a great example of this sustainable preservation and other hotels should learn from its practices,” he added.
The Rajasthan Tourism Department also gave a presentation at the convention, highlighting the prowess and potential of heritage tourism in Rajasthan.
The presentation was given by the Deputy Director of the Department of Tourism, Rajesh Sharma. The Convention has a large presence of heritage hotel owners from Rajasthan.
He added that these include decongesting popular tourist sites, developing new destinations, improving air connectivity to key markets and making hotels more attractive to both leisure and business travellers.
"In addition, states should focus on improving the ease of doing business and creating favorable conditions for investment," he said.
Speaking specifically about heritage, Billa emphasized that while India has world-class heritage sites, the visitor experience at these places is often lacking.
To address this, the Archaeological Survey of India and the Ministry of Tourism must collaborate to improve the overall tourism experience. Storytelling plays a vital role in creating a rich and immersive context for visitors, and the development of interpretation centres, museums and other facilities can help unlock the full potential of these sites.
Plus, incorporating good food, entertainment, and other amenities can further enhance the experience. Fostering livelihoods around these monuments is essential, and a robust framework for adaptive reuse of heritage is crucial. There is also an urgent need to accelerate conservation project proposals and attract more investments to ensure the preservation and growth of these heritage sites.
Puducherry Tourism Minister K. Lakshminarayanan highlighted that the theme of this year's IHHA Convention, 'Revitalizing Indian Heritage', is very relevant as IHHA has played a pivotal role in developing world-class destinations throughout India.
He praised the commendable efforts of IHHA in promoting tourism products across the country. He highlighted Puducherry as a unique destination that beautifully blends Tamil and European cultures, adding that the government has identified over 100 buildings to preserve as heritage structures.
He further informed that Puducherry also received a UNESCO award for the cultural heritage conservation project for restoration of a Puducherry street to its ancient architectural features.
IHHA honorary president Gaj Singh of Jodhpur said a key pillar of IHHA's vision has been sustainable preservation.
“By employing green construction methods and restoration techniques, we ensure the longevity of heritage sites and minimize environmental impact. These efforts focus on protecting natural ecosystems and creating a harmonious balance between tourism growth and conservation. Indeco Swamimalai is a great example of this sustainable preservation and other hotels should learn from its practices,” he added.
The Rajasthan Tourism Department also gave a presentation at the convention, highlighting the prowess and potential of heritage tourism in Rajasthan.
The presentation was given by the Deputy Director of the Department of Tourism, Rajesh Sharma. The Convention has a large presence of heritage hotel owners from Rajasthan.
