Six heritage sites in Madhya Pradesh have been included in the tentative UNESCO list. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav congratulated the people of the state for this, he announced on social media.
Many important sites of Madhya Pradesh have been included in the tentative list of UNESCO. The sites included in the new list included Gwalior Fort, the Historical Group of Dhamnar, Bhojeshwar Mahadev Temple, Rock Art Sites of Chambal Valley, Khooni Bhandara, Burhanpur, and God Memorial of Ramnagar, Mandla, the chief minister said on X.
Municipal Corporation Commissioner Sandeep Srivastava said, “In 2010 efforts were started to include the underground water structure Khooni Bhandara in the list of UNESCO’s World Heritage. In 2013, a UNESCO team came to see this structure. All the shortcomings pointed out by them were rectified. Now the district administration, municipal corporation administration and Madhya Pradesh government have prepared an action plan to provide facilities here given the possibility of domestic and foreign tourists and researchers visiting the place shortly.”
UP Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh expressed the state’s ambition to become the top destination for foreign tourist arrivals, leveraging its leading position in domestic tourism. He highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s safety, robust infrastructure, and rich cultural heritage, emphasising the state’s readiness to showcase its tourism potential to the global audience through UPTM.
Burhanpur’s BJP MLA Archana Chitnis described the inclusion of Burhanpur’s historical Khuni Bhandar in the UNESCO World Heritage list as a big achievement. She said that it was conceived in 2006, efforts for it were started in 2010, and a UNESCO team inspected it in 2013.”When I came to do the same, they told me that there is no approach road here to include Khooni Bhandara in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. To overcome this deficiency, we sanctioned special funds from the government and got the approach road constructed along with the construction of a railway over a bridge which is nearing completion. Now the name of Khooni Bhandara should be included in the permanent list and an action plan is being prepared to provide facilities for potential incoming domestic and foreign tourists and researchers,” she added further.
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Goa is embarking on a significant shift towards regenerative tourism, aiming to redefine its tourism sector with a focus on environmental restoration, cultural preservation, and community empowerment. Rohan A. Khaunte, the state’s Tourism & IT Minister, unveiled this transformative model on the sixty-second anniversary of the Liberation of Goa, aligning the initiative with the values of the Manila Declaration of World Tourism of 1980 and the recent Goa roadmap for tourism culled out from a G20 ministers’ meeting.
Khaunte stressed the urgency for change in response to environmental challenges and societal imbalances, advocating for sustainable practices in travel and tourism. He highlighted the regenerative model’s four pillars: spirituality, indigeneity, civilisational and cultural nationalism, and conscious tourism. The overarching goal is to revitalise landscapes, revive cultural heritage, and empower local economies through community-centric, eco-friendly initiatives and sustainable infrastructure.
“In the face of environmental agility and societal imbalance, the call for change equals louder than ever. It’s a clarion call that beacons us to reevaluate our efforts to travel and tourism,” stated Khaunte, emphasising the need for a paradigm shift towards sustainability.
As a part of this model, the Ekadasha Teertha Campaign will be rolled out in the 11 places of worship in Goa. Ekadasha Teertha will include the spiritual sites to be decided by the Department of Tourism. The Minister said that the campaign will be put to fruition in consultation with the local communities and involving particularly women and youth, in exploring, understanding, and projecting the rich culture, cuisine, and lifestyles of Goa.
Additionally, he spoke about the benefits of introduction of the new tourism policy in 2020 which reflected a commitment to cultural immersion with the special emphasis on homestays, run by local families within communities, largely by women. Moreover, the new Homestay policy takes a dedicated stance on promoting women’s empowerment by actively endorsing their participation in managing these alternate accommodations. Offering incentives such as grants totaling up to INR 2 lakh rupees and considerations for utilities has played a crucial role in bolstering these initiatives as per Goa Tourism Minister.When questioned about how the government plans to guide travellers interested in embracing regenerative practices, the minister highlighted that the vision commences with the latter, signifying the initiation of a profound idea.
“The Ekadasha Teertha serves as the pivotal point to craft a fresh narrative. For instance, the domestic tourists opting for a 4-night stay in Goa, will be inclined to delve into the rich tapestry of its temples. International tourists, on the other hand, seek wellness, and this regenerative tourist circuit is designed to cater precisely to that need. Our aspiration today is for tourists to immerse themselves in all that Goa has to offer, encompassing sun, sand, sea, software, spirituality, and beyond,” Khaunte told ETTravelWorld, adding that the initial count of 11 temples is merely a starting point; additional sites will soon be earmarked.
As the attention shifts to the West Coast archipelago in India with an evident uptick in Google search traffic, EMT pausing Maldives bookings and ixigo experiencing a 2900% spike in Lakshadweep travel searches, the crucial question arises: should we look at Lakshadweep as an alternative to Maldives? Sustainability experts say No.
Goa, already a trailblazer, has been inadvertently practicing regenerative tourism, added Khaunte. “When we talk about Goa, we talk about ease of doing business, recently rolled out homestay policy, caravan policy, shack policy, Yuva Tourism clubs and so much more– we have already started contributing in our own way to the environment, society, and economics,” the Minister stated.
Amidst the allure of Goa as a popular tourist destination, the Minister further acknowledged the critical juncture where conventional practices threaten the very beauty that attracts millions. “It’s time for a change. It’s time for a shift,” he declared. “The regenerative tourism model underscores a commitment not only to enjoy Goa’s splendour but also to leave a positive and lasting impact on its landscapes, communities, and cultures.”
Initiatives to protect pristine beaches, rejuvenate coastal ecosystems, engage local communities, and promote festivals are already underway, he informed, adding that sustainable agricultural practices, the revitalization of ancient art forms, and support for local artisans are a few other steps under progress.
Speaking during the presentation on regenerative model vision that will run for 36 months, Suneel Anchipaka, IAS Director, Tourism & Managing Director, GTDC said the key is to develop mutual respect and appreciation between the visitors and the hosts. “We are in advanced talks with entrepreneurs and innovators in the tourism sector to help local women and youth get first-hand experience on becoming commercial partners in the Ekadasha Teertha endeavour,” he informed.
He added that Goa has set its sights on innovative solutions post-COVID, especially after analysing the unique challenges, including competition from countries like Thailand and Indonesia, modern cities like Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, and large Indian states. He also said that Goa is transitioning from a sea-shore centric tourism model to a more inclusive, people-centric approach.
Concluding on a positive note, Khaunte invited the travellers to be part of the journey, urging them to explore Goa responsibly and leave footprints of positive impact. “Let us embark on this collective effort to ensure that these destinations remain a haven for generations to come. Let’s put back more than we can take out,” he reiterated.
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The Ministry of Tourism (MoT) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) recently initiated an impactful project known as the Amrit Dharohar Capacity Building Scheme-2023. This collaborative effort took flight on December 8, 2023, at Sultanpur National Park, a designated Ramsar Site nestled in Haryana.
Particularly emphasizing nature-tourism and its integral role, the joint effort between MoT and MoEFCC aims to tap into the nature-tourism potential of Ramsar Sites countrywide. Sultanpur stands out as one of the initial five priority Ramsar Sites identified in the first phase, alongside Bhitarkanika and Chilika in Odisha, as well as Yashwant Sagar and Sirpur in Madhya Pradesh. These sites have been earmarked for targeted training programs under the Alternative Livelihood Programme (ALP), showcasing the commitment to fostering local communities.
Also central to this endeavour is the Alternative Livelihood Programme, a facet of the Amrit Dharohar initiative. The main objective is to empower and train local community members residing near Ramsar sites. By partnering with the Indian Institute of Tourism & Travel Management (IITTM) and the MoEFCC, the initiative aims to fortify nature tourism at these sites while concurrently offering alternative means of livelihood for the local populace.
In an interview with ETTravelWorld, DG Tourism, Govt of India, Manisha Saxena shared that this is going to be an international level promotional event to be hosted with the international buyers. The detailed discussions will be carried out at the ICPB CIC event starting today in Gandhinagar. The aim is also to catalogue the destinations used during the G20 and maximise their potential by hosting a variety of events, she said.
The first phase focuses on Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, where, in conjunction with the State Forest Department, 30 individuals from the local communities will undergo comprehensive training to become certified nature-guides.The Amrit Dharohar initiative was introduced by the MoEF&CC earlier in June 2023 as a part of the budget announcement for 2023-24. Its core mission revolves around spotlighting the distinctive conservation significance of Ramsar Sites across India while actively creating employment avenues and bolstering local livelihoods.
The collaboration extends beyond governmental bodies to encompass a network of formal and informal institutions, ministries, agencies, and individuals, all rallying together for this noble cause.
The inauguration of this event was done by Manisha Saxena, Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, in the presence of Dr Sujit Kumar Bajpayee, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Prof Alok Sharma, Director of the Indian Institute of Tourism & Travel Management, officials from MoEF&CC, and senior officials from the Haryana Forest Department, among others.
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To boost eco-tourism in the state, the Himachal Pradesh government has identified 11 pristine eco-tourism sites located in forest areas. During a meeting of the Himachal Pradesh Eco Tourism Society, Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu expressed the need for promoting eco-tourism on a large scale and highlighted ongoing infrastructure development efforts to support this initiative.
The identified sites include Swaar, Saurabh Van Vihar, Neugal Park, and Bir-Billing in the Palampur forest division, as well as Kasol, Kheer Ganga, and Sumarupa in the Parvati forest division.
Additionally, sites like Sojha in Seraj, Narkanda in Kotgarh, Shogi camping site, and Potter Hill camping site, all situated under the Shimla forest division, have been earmarked for development. Each of these eco-tourism destinations will encompass an area of one hectare, ensuring their protection and sustainability. Additionally, a reserve price has been established for these sites to facilitate their development and operation through outsourcing.
The Chief Minister emphasised that Himachal Pradesh has been blessed by nature with unparalleled natural beauty, making it an attractive destination for tourists from around the world. He stressed that the promotion of eco-tourism in the state would not only enhance tourist footfall but also contribute significantly to the state’s revenue. Moreover, it would lead to the creation of employment and self-employment opportunities for the local population, he added.
In 2022, Jammu and Kashmir received a record 1.88 crore tourists. The current year is set to surpass this achievement, with foreign and domestic arrivals exceeding expectations. Sharing this and more, Secretary of Tourism & Culture, J&K Govt, Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, talks to ETTravelWorld about the role of sustainable tourism in U/T, plans to develop 300 new destinations and active involvement of youth.
The government’s commitment to eco-tourism goes beyond the 11 identified sites, Sukhu added, informing that more such eco-tourism sites will be identified and developed in the state to boost tourism, which had taken a major hit during the recent floods. In line with these efforts to promote sustainable and responsible tourism, the Himachal Pradesh government has also recently approved two eco-tourism projects worth INR 16.67 crore. These projects are slated for development in Hareta Gram Panchayat within the Nadaun block of Hamirpur district and Kamyana Hilltop in the Mashobra block of Shimla district. The implementation of these projects will involve active participation from the Tourism Development Society and Self-Help Groups in these areas.
These initiatives are a collaborative effort between various government departments, including Panchayati Raj, Forest, Tourism, and Rural Development, to ensure the successful execution of these eco-tourism projects.
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