PHD Chamber for developing heritage tourism in hill states

Uttrakhand has the vast potential to become a heritage tourism destination in a big way, a new report released by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry said on Tuesday.

According to the report, the Himalayan states from Jammu and Kashmir to Mizoram need to be developed as heritage tourism destinations systematically without disturbing the ecological environment in order to have year round inbound tourists.

The report further stated Heritage Tourism helps make historic preservation economically viable by using historic structure and landscape to attract and serve travelers. When it comes to world tourist's numbers, 20 per cent of the tourist travel to the mountain areas and it is increasing rapidly.

According to the report pilgrimage has traditionally been the major segment of tourism in Uttrakhand which can be further elevated to a new level by inculcating cultural, adventure and wild life tourism. The report further states huge employment opportunities available in these sectors especially in state like Uttrakhand which is overflowing with employment

The location advantages and close proximity to Delhi makes Uttrakhand a favourite hot spot for international mountaineers. On the other hand centuries old pilgrimages Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamnotri, Gangotri, Hemkund Sahib, Lokpal, Nanakmatta, Meetha-Reetha Sahib, Piramn kaliyar etc are some of the important places of pilgrimage of various religions which have seen remarkable growth in numbers of tourists.

The report highlighted the rich and vibrant cultural heritage of the state like Jhanda Mela (Dehradun district), Surkanda Devi Mela (Tehri), Magh Mela ( Uttarkashi), Nanada Devi Mela (Nainital) make Uttarakhand an apt state to promote cultural tourism.

Besides adventure sports like rafting in Rishikesh and nearby areas, there lies an abundance of possibilities in the higher reaches of the hill state. The Badrinath-Ghastoli Manapass route is one such jewel of opportunities. It is one of the world's highest motorable roads.

A good plan built around mountain biking and regulated motorcycling can prove to be significant livelihood earner for the local people as well as a superb branding initiative for Uttarakhand Tourism. This is an initiative that the Uttarakhand government must take a serious look at. The proposition is a win-win for all in term of economics, social, market-value and branding output.

The state will have to build small support resources along the way and put together some basic infrastructure. This itself can be done on PPP mode with the community and Tracking of efficient operations could possibly be outsourced to the forces. It will also need streamlining of the permit, process, which is right now in the hands of three separate authorities.

A single season of medium traffic can safely sustain a large number of local enterprises and positively boost employment in the area. There will be an immediate need for tour & camping guides, porter, cooks, equipment hire, ration& nutritional suppliers, paramedics, mule owners, maintenance person etc. followed by a regular boost to local handicraft makers, fruit, processors and eatery owners.