PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) organized its flagship event – 12th International Heritage Tourism Conclave with the theme ‘‘Protecting and safeguarding the world’s cultural and natural heritage’ held on 21st July 2023 at ITC Welcomhotel, Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The conclave was followed by a cultural evening with dinner.
Building on the previous 11th editions, the Conclave deliberated on how tourism and culture sectors can work together more collaboratively and increase public-private partnerships to ensure the protection and Promotion of Heritage and Culture Tourism.
Mr Ashok Gehlot, Chief Minister of Rajasthan wished the PHD Chamber for organizing 12th Edition of the International Heritage Tourism Conclave at Jodhpur a grand success through his message.
Mr Digvijay Dhabriya, Chair, Rajasthan Chapter, PHDCCI in his welcome address said Heritage tourism, with its profound impact on communities, economies, and cultural preservation, plays a pivotal role in fostering sustainable development. It allows us to connect with our roots, appreciate our shared history, and promote intercultural understanding.
Mr Vikramjit Singh, Chair, Tourism & Hospitality Committee, PHDCCI while addressing the gathering said that The theme of the conclave ‘Protecting and safeguarding the world’s cultural and natural heritage’ underscores the crucial responsibility we bear in protecting and safeguarding the world’s heritage for future generations. It compels us to address the growing risks posed by climate change, unsustainable practices, unchecked development, and the illicit trade of cultural artifacts.
Ms Junhi Han, Programme Specialist and Chief of Section – Culture, UNESCO, New Delhi also addressed the gathering via video message.
Mr. Mandip Singh Soin, FRGS, Founding President & Member – Governing Body, Responsible Tourism Society of India (RTSOI) said that involvement of the private sector to join hands in raising the funds that go towards helping and saving our natural heritage. This will tie the customer buying into becoming a Responsible Traveller.
PHDCCI and its Knowledge Partner – ORG India jointly released a Knowledge Report titled ‘Protecting and safeguarding the world’s cultural and natural heritage’. The report gives a holistic view on heritage tourism across the world and in the country.
Mr Rajan Sehgal, Co Chair, Tourism & Hospitality Committee, PHDCCI while delivering the vote of thanks said that a great deal of tourism relies on places with a natural, indigenous and historic significance which tourism products are based on. In order to respect the cultural significance of the destination, people involved in the tourism industry need to be sensitive to cultural groups who have a special interest in them and they need to be directly involved in the planning and promotion of the destination. He also said that the Tourism & Hospitality Committee of PHDCCI’s initiatives were appreciated by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and various State Tourism Boards.
The inaugural session was followed by Technical Sessions
The domain experts in the Panel Discussion on Technical Session 1 – ‘Sustainable Tourism Management at World Heritage Sites’ Addressed by H.E. Mr Arunkoemar Hardien, Ambassador, Embassy of Suriname, H.E. Mrs Victoria Samuel Aru, Ambassador, Republic of South Sudan, H.E. Mrs Lalatiana Accouche, High Commissioner, High Commission of the Republic of Seychelles, H.E. Mr Haymandoyal Dillum, High Commissioner, Mauritius High Commission. They shared the Cultural and heritage tourism potential of their respective countries. They also shared that adequate investments should be made for sustainable infrastructure to support tourism at world heritage sites.
The domain experts in the Panel Discussion on Technical Session II -‘Positioning India as world’s top Heritage Tourism destination’ Addressed by Mr Sunil Dubey, Director, Investment Promotion, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, Mr Kanwarjit Singh Sawhney, Director, Bakshi Transport Services P Ltd, Mr Rakshat Hooja, Director, Jaipur Virasat Foundation, Dr. Mahendra Singh Tanwar, Convenor – Jodhpur Chapter, Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Mr Manu Sharma, Cluster General Manager – Operations & General Manager, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
The domain experts in the Panel Discussion on Technical Session III – ‘High cost of conservation and restoration: How to attract Investors?’ Addressed by Mr. Abinash Manghani, CEO, WelcomHeritage Hotels, Mr. Aman Nath, Founder & Chairman, Neemrana Hotels, Dr. Monica Banerjee, Head, Interglobe Foundation, Mr Abhiudaya Katoch, Vice President, Hotel Sales Division, Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited, Mr Brajesh Thakur, Area Director of Sales (West), Radisson Hotel Group, Kr. Kunal Singh Nathawat, Director, Chirmi Palace Hotel.
A Heritage Walk was also organized at Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur on 20th July 2023 for the delegates to know more about the Palace history at Jodhpur. Mr Manu Sharma, General Manager, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur, welcomed all the delegates and also hosted Hi-Tea for the delegates. Another Heritage Walk was also organized at Bal Samand Lake Palace, Jodhpur on 22nd July 2023 for the delegates.
The Conclave was supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Rajasthan Tourism Board, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, Depioneer Group of Industries, ORG India, UN Global Compact Network India, Welcom Heritage Bal Samand Lake Palace, Jodhpur, IATO, IHHA, TAFI, Rajasthan Routes Trails Pvt Ltd.
The Conclave was moderated by Mr Naveen Seth, Dy. Secretary General, PHDCCI and attended by over 100 relevant industry stakeholders.