DW BUREAU / Jaipur

Jaipur The tourism sector currently contributes just 5% to India's GDP, whereas countries like Thailand and Turkey see contributions of 23% and 11%, respectively. To elevate this to at least 10%?a benchmark for any country in a stable scenario?there is a need for targeted strategies. These include decongesting popular tourist sites, developing new destinations, improving air connectivity to key markets, and making hotels more attractive for both leisure and business travelers. Additionally, states must focus on improving the Ease of Doing Business and creating favorable conditions for investment.

These insights were shared by Dr. Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, during the Inauguration Ceremony of the 11th Annual Convention of the Indian Heritage Hotels Association, being held at Indeco Hotel Swamimalai, Kumbakonam in Thanjavur of Tamil Nadu. Speaking specifically about heritage, Mr. Billa emphasised that while India boasts world-class heritage sites, the visitor experience at these locations often falls short. To address this, the Archaeological Survey of India and the Ministry of Tourism must collaborate to enhance the overall tourism experience. Storytelling plays a vital role in creating a rich, immersive context for visitors, and the development of interpretation centers, museums, and other facilities can help unlock the full potential of these sites.

Additionally, incorporating fine dining, entertainment, and other amenities can further elevate the experience. Encouraging livelihoods around these monuments is essential, and a robust framework for the adaptive reuse of heritage is crucial. There is also an urgent need to fast-track conservation project proposals and attract more investment to ensure the preservation and growth of these heritage sites.

The Minister for Tourism, Government of Puducherry, Mr. K. Lakshminarayanan, remarked that the theme of this year's IHHA Convention, 'Revitalizing Indian Heritage,' is highly relevant, as IHHA has played a pivotal role in developing world-class destinations across India.
(editor@dailyworld.in)