The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) convened its 15th International Heritage Tourism Conclave on 24 July at the Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad, rallying government officials, tourism boards, and industry leaders around a shared goal: positioning India's cultural legacy as a central pillar of the country's tourism economy. Supported by the Ministry of Tourism, the event focused on leveraging investment, technology, and public-private partnerships to unlock the sector's potential.
During the conclave, the third edition of the PHDCCI-KPMG report on heritage tourism was released, offering strategic recommendations on policy reforms, digital innovation, and expanded private sector involvement. Venkatramana R. Hegde, Additional Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, underscored the need for improved infrastructure and visitor experiences to elevate India's competitiveness. "Tourism deserves industry status and stronger partnerships between governments, industry, and institutions such as PHDCCI will be essential," Hegde stated.
Heritage as a catalyst for sustainable growth
Thematic sessions at the conclave included 'The New Age of Museums' and 'Food is Memory', exploring how museums and culinary heritage can evolve to attract modern travelers. Telangana's tourism director, L. Ranjeet Nayak, highlighted the state's commitment to heritage-led development, emphasizing responsible private participation and the use of technology to enhance visitor engagement. "We are focused on creating immersive experiences that respect our cultural roots while meeting global standards," Nayak said.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between PHDCCI and Axis Bank to strengthen collaboration in the tourism and hospitality sector, signaling increased financial sector interest in heritage tourism projects. The conclave concluded with a call for shared responsibility in preserving India's tangible and intangible heritage, aiming to build a sustainable and globally competitive heritage tourism sector.
This focus on heritage aligns with broader industry trends. For instance, heritage retreats like Amrit Bhawan in Haridwar are launching wellness programmes that blend cultural preservation with modern hospitality. Similarly, the recent UNESCO World Heritage designation for Aalto Works has boosted Helsinki's cultural tourism appeal, demonstrating how heritage can drive destination marketing globally.
India's heritage tourism sector faces challenges including infrastructure gaps, inconsistent visitor experiences, and limited private investment. The PHDCCI-KPMG report calls for policy reforms to grant tourism industry status, which would unlock easier financing and tax benefits. Digital innovation—such as augmented reality tours, online ticketing, and data-driven visitor management—is also highlighted as a key enabler.
The conclave's emphasis on public-private partnerships mirrors successful models in other regions. For example, Ras Al Khaimah's record visitor numbers in H1 2026 were partly driven by collaborative marketing and infrastructure investments. Similarly, Bangkok's upcoming World Travel & Culture Expo 2026 aims to boost ASEAN tourism through heritage and cultural programming.
For travel professionals—airline executives, hoteliers, tour operators, and destination marketers—the message is clear: heritage tourism offers a differentiated, high-value segment that can drive longer stays, higher spend, and year-round demand. As India's middle class expands and international interest in authentic cultural experiences grows, heritage assets become a competitive advantage.
The PHDCCI conclave serves as a reminder that preserving cultural legacy is not just a conservation imperative but a strategic economic opportunity. With the right policy framework, investment, and technology, India's heritage can become a cornerstone of its tourism growth story.
