No.PR-154
March 4, 2020
New Delhi
PRE-EVENT PRESS RELEASE
PHD Chamber to organize 9th International Heritage Tourism Conclave in Gwalior
PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) will be organizing its 9th International Heritage Tourism Conclave with the theme ‘Achieving SDG 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage’ on 13 March 2020 at Taj Usha Kiran Palace, Gwalior. The programme is supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
According to the UNWTO, 1.8 billion people are forecast to travel internationally in 2030 and much of this growth is being fuelled by the increasing desire and interest in discovering new and different cultures. Cultural heritage – both tangible and intangible are resources that need to be protected and carefully managed. Therefore, it is fundamental that tourism authorities study how best to develop these cultural heritage sites while protecting and preserving them for the long-term.
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 – ‘Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable’ aims to improve housing, transport, public spaces and urban environments and strengthens resilience to disasters and climate change. The UN Agenda 2030 recognizes culture and heritage clearly in Target 11.4 to ‘Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage’.
Building on the previous eight editions, this Conclave will deliberate on how the tourism and culture sectors can work together more collaboratively and increase public-private partnerships to ensure the protection of our cultural and natural heritage.
Shri Surendra Singh Baghel, Tourism Minister, Government of Madhya Pradesh has been invited as the as the Chief Guest on the occasion. Shri Yogendra Tripathi (IAS), Secretary – Ministry of Tourism, Government of India will be the Guest of Honour at the event.
Ms. Radha Bhatia, Chairperson – Tourism Committee, PHDCCI, said, “PHDCCI’s commitment towards Tourism, especially Heritage Tourism is evident from the success of its past eight Heritage Tourism Conclaves. We need forum like this to brainstorm what steps can be taken to correct the skewed balance of tourist traffic, where bulk of the foreign tourist arrival is limited to a few prominent destinations. I trust that the 9th IHTC will build on the already strong foundation laid by the Chamber and draw a sharper focus on the important role that all aspects of heritage play in attracting tourists and thus bringing in investments, development and jobs.”
A Panel Discussion on ‘Positioning India as world’s top Heritage Tourism Destination’ will be organized during the Conclave. A Heritage Walk will also be organized on 14th March 2020 for all the delegates to enjoy the heritage of Gwalior not only as past, but as a living tradition.
For more information on the programme, please feel free to contact Ms. Sulagna Ghosh at sulagna.ghosh@phdcci.in.
Ends.
Media Division
PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry