Delhi, 26 July (H.S.): The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) organized its 14th International Heritage Tourism Conclave at Lukshmi Villas Palace, Vadodara, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and various tourism partners on Friday .

The conclave’s theme, “ख़याल विरासत का”, facilitated discussions on the intersection of heritage and tourism. The event gathered an array of stakeholders, including policymakers, dignitaries, and tourism professionals, to explore heritage-driven economic growth and community development.

Rajender Kumar (IAS), secretary of Gujarat’s tourism department, emphasized the state's focus on inclusive heritage tourism, ensuring local community benefits through job creation and infrastructure development. His Highness Samarjitsinh Gaekwad, Maharaja of Baroda, stressed the significance of heritage's relevance to future generations. Mohamed Farouk from the Ministry of Tourism detailed initiatives like Swadesh Darshan 2.0 that promote regional tourism through local culture and crafts.

Highlights included the launch of the PHDCCI-KPMG Heritage Tourism Report, a ceremonial Saraswati Vandana, and focused sessions on topics like community engagement in heritage conservation, culinary tourism, and the role of women in tourism. Panel discussions addressed challenges faced by heritage owners, adaptive reuse of heritage sites, the importance of storytelling, and tourism mobility.

Over 25 B2B meetings facilitated connections among tourism industry leaders. A contemporary art showcase and a guided heritage walk of Lukshmi Villas Palace concluded the event. The conclave was supported by partners including Mann Fleet Partners, ADTOI, and others, making it a significant initiative to promote and preserve India’s rich heritage through innovative tourism strategies.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar