Experience is the key factor in tourism industry, says Amitabh Kant

A former Niti Aayog CEO remarked that tourism can promote inclusive development. He explained that tourism is no longer about expensive and extravagant hotels, but about offering distinctive experiences. Heritage hotels play a crucial role in this transition, as they offer visitors a new way of luxury and unforgettable memories.

Amitabh Kant, former CEO of Niti Aayog, spoke at the opening of the 10th Indian Heritage Hotels Convention at the Tijara Fort in Alwar. He said that India is on track to become the world's third-largest economy by 2027, thanks to its strong economic growth.

He highlighted the role of tourism in boosting the local economy and creating inclusive development. He said that tourism has evolved from being elitist and extravagant to being experiential and authentic. Heritage hotels are crucial in this transformation, as they offer visitors a chance to enjoy the luxury of history and culture.

He also stressed the need to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of a place by reviving its roots.
"Heritage hotels should showcase the unique aspects of their location, such as art, cuisine, architecture, and more. The government should support these initiatives by providing connectivity and infrastructure. However, the private sector should take charge of running and managing these ventures," he said.

Sanjeev Sanyal, Member of Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, gave a talk on 'Thinking of Heritage as Economic and Cultural Capital'.

He said that storytelling and narrative building are essential for the economy.

"We need to tell our own story, not adopt someone else's. Rajasthan has many sites that tell the stories of our resistance to foreign invasion, such as Haldighati, Chittorgarh and Kumbhalgarh. The heritage hotels should revive the tradition of bards and narrate the stories of our history. The stories of local communities should be re-presented in a contemporary way and we must re-tell India's story for the 21st century," he said.

As a representative of the Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA), which has over 200 members, Gaj Singh expressed his willingness to showcase India as a distinctive heritage destination. He also emphasized the importance of sustainable preservation for the future of heritage tourism.