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| Khajuraho
: Kandarya Mahadev Temple |
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Heritage, tourism and development are correlated.
"Heritage" is a resource for "tourism", which,
in turn, is a resource for economic development. Before this correlation
is analysed, it is necessary that the issues involved in these
three aspects, with special reference to developing countries,
is viewed in proper perspective.
Heritage
and culture of an area comprises the archaeological and historical
places, distinctive architectural styles, local dance, drama and
music, festivals and arts and crafts, dress and costumes, and
value systems. Heritage sites could be classified into two types:
- Stand-alone
heritage sites such as Khajuraho, Sanchi, Mandu and Orchha;
and
- Towns
and cities having their own major attractions of museums, historical
sites, shopping, dining and entertainment complexes, and the
over-all interesting character. These places often serve as
gateways and staging points for stand-alone sites, such as Bhopal
for Sanchi, Indore for Mandu, and Jhansi for Orchha.
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Sanchi |
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The heritage
sites offer attraction for the tourists and, therefore, their
unique and individual characteristics of historic, cultural and
community identity must be maintained.
Tourism is
now one of the world's major industries and is expanding continuously.
It can be viewed in terms of 'demand-and-supply'. Tourist attractions
induce tourists to visit an area and help tourism develop. The
elements necessary for developing tourism need careful attention
and they are:
- Attraction
and the activities - the things for tourists to see and do;
- Hospitality
facilities and services - the places to stay and eat;
- Transport
facilities and services : the access to and within the area;
- Basic
community infrastructure - water and electric supply, sewage
disposal, telecommunication, etc.
- Travel
arrangements - travel agents and guides; and
- Tourism
promotion and tourist information
In our country,
heritage would continue to remain tourism's mainstay because of
our vibrant past and the diversity of cultures. Other forms of
tourism would be mere add-ons. Therefore, the plans for development
of the heritage areas can ill-afford to overlook the social cost
and economic risks of drawing increasing number of visitors.
Development
is an evolutionary process of economic growth and social changes.
Every town, village and community comprises natural things like
the land and natural water sources, plants and forests, animal
and bird life, and man-made things like the buildings, the artificial
water bodies, etc. Community dwellers have used these resources
for ages, seldom wisely, often wasting too much. The dwindling
of resources throws a shadow on the prospects of adequate food,
shelter and jobs for the locals. Tourism can be one of the remedies
if it is based on sustainable use of natural and cultural resources.
The benefits of tourism development to an area are :
- New jobs
and economic activity
- Additional
income
- New markets
for local products
- Improved
infrastructure, community facilities and service
- New skills
and technology
- Greater
environmental and cultural awareness and protection
- Improved
land use patterns
Evidently,
tourism can play a significant role in development and economic
growth of an area provided it is dedicated to protect the environment
and improve the quality of life of the people who live and work
there. Ecology and economy, including tourism, are becoming increasingly
interwoven into a cause-and-effect web. Therefore, to be economically
sustainable, tourism must be environmentally sustainable. It can
be an important factor in conserving heritage resources, help
justify conservation and, in fact, subsidise conservation efforts.
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