President Highlights Rising Global Interest in Heritage Tourism in India

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Heritage Tourism is a tool of economic development. It fuels growth by drawing visitors who are interested in the historical, artistic, or cultural aspects of a place.

Reasons for the Growth of India’s Heritage Tourism
- India’s Rich and Diverse Cultural Heritage: Heritage assets reflect the influence of different religions, dynasties, regions, and communities that have shaped India’s identity and culture.
- A Strong Global Presence and Influence: India’s diaspora, which is one of the largest and most influential in the world, has also played a role in spreading awareness.
- Supportive Policies: Government has launched schemes such as Incredible India, Swadesh Darshan, PRASAD, and Adopt a Heritage.
- Large Number of World Heritage Sites: 42 World Heritage sites in India, out of which 34 are cultural sites, 7 are natural sites and one is mixed site.

Significance of Heritage Tourism
- Preserving and promoting cultural heritage, generating income and employment, enhancing India’s image and reputation, and fostering cross-cultural understanding and exchange.

Challenges
- Encroachments around heritage monuments, issue in funding for conservation, and balancing the needs and interests of various stakeholders etc.