Experts were speaking at a panel discussion ‘Vibrant Heritage of India’ organized at the first edition of The Iconic Experiences Show (TIES) held in Delhi recently
The vibrant heritage spread across Indian states is key to an immersive India experience. Speaking at the ‘Vibrant Heritage of India’ session, experts and policymakers gathered at The Iconic Experiences Show (TIES) held in Delhi from 16-17 October 2023, unanimously pitched for promotion of Indian Heritage highlighting recent developments and opportunities, while addressing challenges needed to be addressed.
Expecting a quantum leap in domestic and international arrivals with forthcoming Ram Mandir in Ayodhya- the state of Uttar Pradesh is also in process to develop itself as an adventure water sports extravaganza; attracting young as well elderly. “We have some of pristine and unexplored waterfalls in the state and are keen to look for investors to promote such sites in a sustainable manner,” said Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Principal Secretary, Tourism and Culture Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh and Director General, Uttar Pradesh, Tourism.
“Uttar Pradesh is also set to register a boost in domestic and international arrivals with the opening of the Ram Temple at Ayodhya. UP is a hub of religious travel with best of Hinduism, Buddhists, and other religious sites,” he added. According to the Union tourism ministry statistics, footfall in Ayodhya has risen steadily over the past decade from about 1.2 crore in 2011 to around 2 crores in 2019. UP tourism department estimations suggest that that the visitors in Ayodhya will cross 3.9 crore mark by 2025.
Inviting stakeholders to the 36th edition world’s biggest international craft fair- The Surajkund Craft Mela 2024- M D Sinha, Principal Secretary, Tourism Department, Government of Haryana shared that the Surajkund Crafts Mela showcases richness and diversity of handicrafts, handlooms, and the cultural heritage of India. Jointly hosted by the Surajkund Mela Authority and Haryana Tourism in collaboration with the Union Ministries of Tourism, Textiles, Culture, External Affairs and Government of Haryana, this festival has come to occupy a place of pride and prominence on the international tourism calendar for its display of crafts, culture & cuisine of India in aesthetically created ambience.
“There are inherent advantages of surrounding Delhi with three state borders. Haryana is known for producing best of athletes in India and same is being worked out in terms of tourism products. In fact, I am very happy to invite the stakeholders participating at TIES to Pinjore Heritage festival scheduled for December 2023 as well,” added Sinha.
Rakhee Gupta Bhandari. Secretary, Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Government of Punnjab, shared that states intent to broad base the spiritual tourism foot fall beyond the holy city of Amritsar. “Scores of international and domestic tourists come to Amritsar, which is a good thing, but Punjab has immense potential for the tourism industry beyond spiritual tourism. Our Chief Minister has rightly put forth our state as a Rangla Punjab- where all cultures and religion meet in harmony. Moreover, like Punjab’s heritage, its food, and culinary delight also add magic to overall immersive experience of Incredible India,” Bhandari said.
While the session moderator Krishna Kumar, Executive Editor, Tv9 Digital appreciated the state’s input, Ashish Gupta, Founder: Strategy Pluto & Consulting CEO FAITH added that India should bring to limelight all of its 700 plus tribes, above 2000 culinary offerings and over one thousand cultural festivals. Here, Tarun Thakral, Founder & Managing Trustee, Heritage Transport Museum emphasized that due care should also be taken on providing the worldclass facilities along with immersive India experience. More efforts are needed to make experiences like the Khajuraho, or the heritage museum at Manesar to stand out among its global peers!
