Jaipur, 19 September : 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. He praised IHHA’s commendable efforts in promoting tourism products throughout 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 be preserved as heritage structures. 

He further informed that Puducherry has also been presented with an Award by UNESCO for the cultural heritage conservation project for restoration of a street to Puducherry to its ancient architectural features.

President of Honour, IHHA, Maharaja Gaj Singh of Jodhpur said that a key pillar of IHHA’s vision has been Sustainable Preservation. By employing eco-friendly construction methods and restoration techniques, we ensure the longevity of heritage sites while minimizing environmental impact. These efforts focus on protecting natural ecosystems, creating a harmonious balance between tourism growth and conservation. Indeco Swamimalai is a great example of this sustainable preservation and other hotels must learn from their practices, he added.

The General Secretary of Indian Heritage Hotels Association, Gaj Singh Alsisar said that during this IHHA Convention, the primary intention is to communicate the expectations of the Association to the Government and equally understand what the Government expects from stakeholders. He underlined expectations from the Government, such as — Developing a National Heritage Tourism Policy, Re-developing Existing Tourist Centers and Surrounding Areas, Improve Access and Connectivity to Tourist Destinations, Identify more ‘iconic sites’ and Tourist Destinations, Allocate a Corpus Fund to preserve heritage-rich areas across the country, among others.

Earlier in his Welcome Address, IHHA Convener and Vice President, Steve Borgia, emphasized the importance of involving local communities in the management of heritage sites. He highlighted the need for more heritage hotels to adopt this practice, merchandise their products, and contribute back to the local community.

IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Puducherry, Sharath Chauhan; Member-IHHA, Chairman – Neemrana Hotels, Aman Nath and CGH / Vice President, IHHA, Jose Dominic also addressed the gathering on the occasion. The Vote of Thanks was proposed by the Convention Chairman, Rajendra Singh Pachar. 

The Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan also made a presentation at the Convention, highlighting the prowess and potential of heritage tourism in Rajasthan. The presentation was made by the Joint Director, Department of Tourism,  Rajesh Sharma. The Convention has a large presence of heritage hotel owners of Rajasthan who also did their branding. 

Earlier the exhibition was inaugurated by the President Emeritus – IHHA, HH Maharaja Gaj Singh II.