The Indian Heritage Hoteliers Association (IHHA) General Secretary, Captain Gaj Singh, has urged the Union government to implement a nationwide Heritage Tourism Policy similar to Rajasthan’s, advocating for dedicated preservation efforts in areas like Shekhawati and Chettinad. He emphasised the need for a central corpus fund to support heritage preservation and called for world-class facilities and infrastructure around tourist sites to boost tourism.

Singh highlighted the success of redevelopment projects in Jaipur’s old city, Amber, and Kota’s Chambal riverfront as models for other tourist sites, stressing the importance of enhancing road connectivity to heritage destinations. He also pointed out that tourism generates the second-highest employment in Rajasthan after mining, and welcomed the state’s focus on promoting tourism through initiatives like the ‘Rising Rajasthan Investment Summit.’

Additionally, Singh noted that the Centre’s focus on wedding tourism presents a significant opportunity for Rajasthan, with its palatial havelis and heritage properties serving as ideal wedding venues, provided there is better infrastructure and access. He also advocated for the removal of encroachments on roads leading to these heritage sites to improve the overall visitor experience.

IHHA Convention Chairman Rajendra Singh Pachar announced that the 11th IHHA Annual Convention, themed ‘Revitalising Indian Heritage,’ will take place on September 19-20 in Tamil Nadu. This marks the first time the convention is being held outside Rajasthan, with 150 heritage hoteliers from across India expected to attend, reflecting the association’s mission to showcase the cultural roots of both North and South India.