Stepping Up the India Offerings: a Way Forward for Heritage Hotels

Heritage hotels in India have carved a distinct niche in the global tourism industry, blending the charm of historical architecture with modern hospitality. The Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA) has played a pivotal role in preserving and reviving these heritage properties since its inception in 1990. Starting with only 14 members, IHHA has grown to over 200 members, showcasing its commitment to safeguarding India’s rich architectural legacy. Despite these achievements, there are still significant challenges and untapped opportunities to elevate heritage hospitality to a new level. The tourism sector currently contributes just 5% to India’s GDP, whereas countries like Thailand and Turkey see contributions of 23% and 11%, respectively.

Problem Areas and Limitations

Gaj Singh of Alsisar
Chairman, Alsisar Hotels

One of the primary challenges is complacency within the industry. Despite the tremendous potential of heritage properties, they often remain out of the public eye and the tourism spotlight. This lack of visibility leads to missed opportunities for growth and promotion. While Rajasthan has successfully promoted its heritage through a dedicated Heritage Tourism Policy, many regions across India have yet to establish similar frameworks. The absence of a national policy from the Union Government leaves a gap in comprehensive heritage preservation efforts.

Furthermore, there is a stark need for better infrastructure around tourist sites. While heritage properties themselves may offer an exceptional experience, the areas surrounding these sites often lack world-class facilities. Poor connectivity and inadequate visitor services deter tourists, limiting the potential for heritage tourism to reach its full scale.

What More Can Be Done?

Rajasthan’s success in promoting heritage tourism offers a valuable model that other states can emulate. With a Heritage Tourism Policy in place and the State Government’s efforts to redevelop key sites like Jaipur’s old city and the Chambal riverfront in Kota, Rajasthan has shown how dedicated initiatives can transform tourism landscapes. For regions with rich historical significance, such as Shekhawati similar preservation and promotion strategies must be adopted.

The Union Government’s involvement is essential to scale these efforts nationwide. A corpus fund dedicated to heritage preservation would ensure that properties in every nook and corner of the country get the attention and support they need. With over 200 members today, the IHHA has the potential to grow multi-fold if such policies are implemented, highlighting the vast, untapped reservoir of heritage properties that dot India’s landscape.

Other measures include decongesting popular tourist sites, developing new destinations, improving air connectivity to key markets, and making hotels more attractive for both leisure and business travellers. Additionally, states must focus on improving the Ease of Doing Business and creating favourable conditions for investment.

Globally, countries with rich heritage, such as France, Italy, and Spain, have adopted innovative strategies for heritage preservation. These countries have seamlessly integrated their historical landmarks into the modern tourism ecosystem, offering visitors not only a cultural experience but also excellent facilities and access. India can learn from these international examples by improving the infrastructure surrounding its heritage sites, enhancing road connectivity, and offering world-class amenities to tourists.

Stepping Up the Momentum

To truly elevate heritage hospitality in India, there needs to be a concerted effort to go beyond preservation. While the IHHA has made strides in conserving India’s past, there’s a need to shift focus towards actively promoting these properties as must-visit destinations and also identify new ‘iconic destinations’. Heritage tourism needs to move beyond niche markets and enter mainstream conversations in the tourism industry. Leveraging digital marketing, social media, and collaborations with domestic as well international tourism organizations can help bring India’s heritage hotels into the global spotlight.

Moreover, heritage hotels must embrace sustainability as part of their growth strategy. By integrating eco-friendly practices and showcasing these efforts, they can appeal to modern tourists who prioritize sustainability in their travel choices. The IHHA can take the lead in setting benchmarks for sustainable heritage tourism, positioning its members as pioneers in eco-conscious luxury.

Heritage hospitality in India has tremendous potential to grow, but it requires a renewed focus on visibility, infrastructure, and policy support. The Indian Heritage Hotels Association has laid a strong foundation, but the journey ahead is about scaling these efforts.


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