Parvez Dewan, Secretary – Tourism, Government of India, opined that tourism, if practised in the right manner, could work as a major tool for heritage conservation of a destination. He cited examples, including Ladakh, where tourism has helped in the conservation of local heritage in terms of art, traditional costumes, architecture, cuisines, etc. While addressing the inaugural ceremony of the second India Heritage Tourism Conclave in New Delhi, organised by PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry,
today, Dewan said that tourism does not destroy culture. However, he said that tourism should be engaged in with a “sense of place”.
He said the conservation of heritage buildings is quite difficult, and that no government can afford to spend on conservation. He cited examples of countries like the UK, where palaces, manors, and country houses were converted into museums and galleries to support conservation. “We actually talk a lot about our culture and heritage. But who cares for it,” he stated. He said that there are a number of old havelis all around Srinagar and Anantnag, which are real architectural marvels. Foreign tourists would love to see these places and spend an extra day or two for the same if they were opened for tourists, said Dewan. That, ultimately, would help in increasing tourist footfall and overnight stays at these places, he added.
Dewan also cited examples of places like Budapest, where the government gives nominal incentives to people who keep their old facades intact as part of the preservation of architectural heritage. He proposed to persuade states in India to follow the system prevalent in other countries, whereby blue plaques are placed at locations of heritage value.