A NATIONAL HERITAGE TOURISM POLICY IS THE NEED OF THE HOUR - Gaj Singh Alsisar General Secretary IHHA
IHHA's 11th Annual Convention to be held in Tamil Nadu on 19 and 20 September - 'Revitalizing Indian Heritage', theme of this year's Convention
Jaipur, 11 September: While Rajasthan has a Heritage Tourism Policy, it is crucial for the Union Government to establish a similar policy to create a comprehensive framework for heritage preservation and promotion across the country. Areas with rich heritage, such as Shekhawati and Chettinad, need dedicated preservation efforts. The Government of India should allocate a corpus fund to support these initiatives across various states. These expectations will be communicated to the Government at the Indian Heritage Hotels Association’s (IHHA) 11th Annual Convention being held this year on 19 and 20 September at Indeco Hotel Swamimalai, Kumbakonam in Thanjavur of Tamil Nadu. This was stated by General Secretary, IHHA, Captain Gaj Singh today at a Press Conference held at Alsisar Haveli.
The General Secretary further said that there is also a pressing need for world-class facilities and infrastructure around existing tourist sites to enhance the overall visitor experience and boost tourism. The redevelopment of Jaipur's old city, Amber, and the Chambal riverfront in Kota should serve as exemplary models for other tourist sites, showcasing what can be achieved with focused efforts. Moreover, enhancing road connectivity from highways to tourist centers is essential for facilitating easier access for travellers.
Convention Chairman of IHHA, Mr Rajendra Singh Pachar underlined the programme for the two-day convention. He said this year's theme of the AGM and Convention is 'Revitalizing Indian Heritage'. This is the first time that the IHHA AGM and Convention is going to be held in a state other than Rajasthan. About 150 heritage hoteliers from all over India are expected to attend the event. It is worth mentioning that there are a total of 206 heritage hotels pan India and about 140 heritage hotels in Rajasthan.
He informed that on 19 September the IHHA Convention will be inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Minister of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu, Thiru K Ramachandran and Special Guest, Minister of Tourism, Government of Puducherry, K Lakshminarayanan by lighting the lamp. Additional Secretary, IAS, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Dr Suman Billa and Director General, IAS, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Mugdha Sinha will also be present in the programme. The second day of the convention (20 September) will commence with a one-to-one meeting of South India Tour Operators with heritage hotel owners. This will be followed by the Executive Committee Meeting and the 23rd Annual General Meeting.
Also present on the occasion was Executive Committee member of IHHA, Mr. Deepraj Singh.
About IHHA and Heritage Tourism Movement
Heritage hotels in the country have made a distinct identity in the world of tourism. For the purpose of preservation and revival of these heritage hotels and properties, the Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA) came into existence in the year 1990 with only 14 members and by September 2018 this number increased to 193. More than 200 members have joined the association, committing to preserving the rich heritage of India. The recognition of heritage classification by the Department of Tourism & Culture, Government of India on January 1, 1990, laid the groundwork for our association, which was formally registered in 2001. In January 1991, the Government of India recognised heritage hotels as a distinct category, classifying them into three tiers: ‘Heritage’, ‘Heritage Classic’ and ‘Heritage Grand’.
IHHA is dedicatedly working for the conservation and revival of forts, palaces, old buildings, palaces and traditional ‘havelis’. The association is not only setting standards in heritage hospitality but also laying down heritage classification guidelines and promoting heritage tourism in the inbound tourism market.
It is worth noting that IHHA’s first Annual Convention was held on 21 and 22 September, 2012 at Ranthambore, with an objective to revive India's rich, cultural, historical and architectural heritage.
