Introduction to Tourism and Heritage

Overview of Tourism

Focus Areas:
- Historical sites
- Artistic lifestyles
- Heritage
- Cultural environments
- Visual and performing arts
- Museums, music, and theatre
Cultural Tourism:
- Indigenous atmosphere
- Historic and religious monuments
- Ruins
- Rural and village countryside

Heritage in Tourism

Definition:
- Inherited cultural aspects from the past with historical value.
- A gift from past generations to future generations.
Types of Heritage:
- Family Heritage:
  - Property (e.g., historical houses)
  - Possessions (e.g., heirloom furniture, jewels)
  - Traditions (e.g., rituals, ceremonies)
- National Heritage:
  - History, culture, and achievements of a country.
  - Examples from India:
    - Places of worship: Jama Masjid, Taj Mahal
    - Temples and sites: Konark
    - Historic battlefields: Kurukshetra, Panipat
    - Museums: Gandhi Museum, Rajghat

Relationship Between Tourism and Heritage Sites

Tourists are attracted to heritage sites for their historical and cultural significance.
Heritage sites are integral to cultural tourism and provide a rich, immersive experience.

Defining Heritage Tourism

Concept of Heritage in Tourism

Heritage Definition:
- Encompasses landscapes, natural history, buildings, artifacts, and cultural traditions passed down generations.
- Exists at different levels: global, national, regional, local.
- Dual nature:
  - Subjective, Personal, Emotional: E.g., Jagannath Puri temple as a place of devotion.
  - Objective, Functional: E.g., Jagannath Puri temple as a relic of ancient culture for tourists.
Perceptions of Heritage:
- Varies among different people and sectors of tourism.
- Heritage sites are core attractions regardless of personal connections.

Heritage as a Commodity

Increasing promotion of areas as heritage destinations.
Scholars’ perspectives on heritage tourism:
- Tighe (1986): Cultural traditions, places, and values.
- Weller and Hail (1992): Monuments, museums, battlefields, historic structures, and landmarks.
- Tassel (1990): Natural gardens, wilderness areas of scenic beauty.
- Hargrove (1995): Linking the past and tied to nostalgia.

Cultural Heritage

Expression of Living:
- Developed by a community, passed through generations.
- Includes customs, practices, places, objects, artistic expressions, and values.
- Reflects and shapes community values, beliefs, and aspirations.
- Iconic cultural items and ceremonies symbolize national identity.
Preservation and Identity:

Keeps collective memories alive.
Maintains and constructs collective identities (e.g., nationhood).
Examples:
- Jewish Museum in Warsaw: Symbol of Jewish identity and history.
- Red Fort: Symbol of past history and current national identity.
Cultural celebrations reinforce social solidarity and sense of belonging.

UNESCO and World Heritage Sites

Overview

World Heritage Convention (1972):
- Initiated by UNESCO to protect cultural and natural heritage.
- Elevates national symbols to items of "outstanding universal value" and property of all mankind.
- Shifted focus from just protecting historic buildings and monuments to a broader understanding of heritage, including tangible and intangible cultural forms.

Key Developments

Inclusion of Cultural Landscapes (1992):
- Cultural landscapes were added to the World Heritage List.
- Recognizes diverse interactions between people and the natural environment.
Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (2003):
- Further broadened the understanding of World Heritage sites.
- Emphasizes the preservation of both tangible and intangible cultural heritage.

Concept of Cultural Landscapes

Takes a holistic view of culture, encompassing monuments, buildings, and the narratives surrounding them.
Examples:
- Heritage Walks: Tours that recreate ancient routes (e.g., Silk Route) or explore historical areas (e.g., Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi), involving sights, smells, and food.

Importance of Cultural Heritage Tourism

Enriches aesthetic and effective experiences, enhancing the quality of life.
Promotes the following:
- Local Resource Enhancement: Preservation of local physical settings and cultural activities.
- Support for Local Artists: Encourages local musicians, artists, and craftspeople.
- Development of Museums and Galleries: Establishes heritage museums and cultural galleries.
- Revitalization of Traditions: Revives local music, dance, and festivals.

Current Status

World Heritage Convention Participation:

As of 2020, 157 countries are part of the World Heritage Convention.
Number of Sites: 590 sites inscribed in UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

World Heritage Sites: A Brief History

Definition

World Heritage Sites: Treasures of the past and wonders of nature so unique that they are considered the collective responsibility of all nations to protect, regardless of their location.

Significance

Reflect the cultural and natural wealth and diversity of our planet.

Origins of UNESCO World Heritage Center

Two Movements:
1. Preservation of Cultural Sites:
  - Example: Aswan High Dam in Egypt threatened to flood the valley containing the Abu Simbel temples.
  - UNESCO launched a campaign in 1959 to safeguard these temples, leading to a collaboration of 50 countries.
2. Conservation of Nature:
  - Focused on protecting natural sites of outstanding value.

Establishment of World Heritage Fund (1972)

Created to assist nations in identifying, preserving, and promoting World Heritage Sites.
Contributions to the fund are both compulsory and voluntary.

Process of Becoming a World Heritage Site

Criteria:

The site must be within the boundaries of a country that has signed the World Heritage Convention.
The site must meet specific criteria of cultural, historical, or natural significance.

India and World Heritage Sites

India's ancient and historic monuments provide a glimpse into its rich heritage, evoking a deep sense of history and culture. This section covers the significance of India's heritage, notable World Heritage Sites, and their diverse appeal.

Significance of India's Heritage

Prime Minister J.L. Nehru's View: Nehru felt a profound connection to India's historic sites, exemplified by his reflections at Sarnath and Ashoka’s pillars.
- Nehru Quote: “At Sarnath, near Benares, I could almost see the Buddha preaching his first sermon... Ashoka’s pillars of stone, with their inscriptions, would speak to me in their magnificent language...” (Nehru: 1946:52).
Spiritual and Philosophical Appeal:
- India, as one of the cradles of civilization, offers spiritual and mental rejuvenation through philosophy, meditation, yoga, Ayurveda, and contact with ancient traditions.
- WTTC Report 2001: Highlights India's appeal for serious-minded tourists seeking mysticism and history over luxury or leisure travel.

Notable World Heritage Sites in India

Ajanta and Ellora Caves (Maharashtra): Renowned for their rock-cut architecture and intricate carvings.
Agra Fort and Taj Mahal (Uttar Pradesh): Iconic symbols of India's Mughal architecture.
Sun Temple (Konark): Celebrated for its stunning architectural grandeur.
Kaziranga National Park and Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (Assam): Known for their diverse wildlife and natural beauty.
Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka: Showcasing ancient rock art and human settlements.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Mumbai): A fine example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India

As of 2020, India has 37 sites recognized as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, encompassing a variety of monuments, buildings, and national parks.

Characteristics of Cultural Heritage Tourism Management and Cultural Heritage Tourism in India

Cultural Heritage Tourism Management (CHTM) integrates the preservation of cultural heritage with the tourism industry, emphasizing sustainable practices that benefit both heritage sites and local communities. This section outlines key principles and practices in CHTM, with a focus on India's approach and examples.

Key Points

UNESCO's Perspective: Cultural heritage sites are crucial for tourism and vice versa. Their interdependence necessitates careful management to ensure both are preserved and promoted effectively.
Collaborative Strategies: Countries like Singapore and Malaysia have developed joint tourism packages to enhance their appeal and share benefits, rather than competing.
International Principles: The International Charter of Cultural Tourism (ICOMOS, 1999) outlines principles for managing cultural tourism, focusing on heritage conservation, community involvement, visitor expectations, and responsible tourism practices.

Principles of Cultural Heritage Tourism Management (CHTM)

Heritage Conservation: Preserving cultural sites for future generations.
Community Involvement: Engaging local communities in tourism development to ensure their cultural and economic benefits.
Visitor Management: Educating visitors about cultural sensitivity and respectful behavior at heritage sites.
Sustainable Practices: Ensuring tourism activities do not harm the cultural or natural environment.

Cultural Heritage Tourism in India

Significance: India’s rich cultural heritage, including monuments, temples, and natural sites, attracts tourists from around the world.
Strategies: India's approach to heritage tourism involves preserving historical sites while promoting tourism that benefits local communities.
Challenges: Balancing tourism development with heritage conservation and addressing socio-cultural impacts.

Case Studies

Ajanta and Ellora Caves: Managed to preserve intricate carvings while facilitating visitor access.
Taj Mahal: Conservation efforts include managing pollution and visitor numbers to protect the monument.
Kaziranga National Park: Combines wildlife conservation with eco-tourism to benefit local communities.

Revival and Preservation Projects

Case Study 1: Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal, located in Agra, India, is one of the most visited and recognized heritage sites in the world. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, it is celebrated for its architectural beauty and romantic significance.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Literary Descriptions:
- Rabindranath Tagore: Described it as a "teardrop on the cheek of time."
- Eleanor Roosevelt: Mentioned that its white marble symbolizes "the purity of real love."
Historical Accounts:
- Muhammad Amin Qazwini (1630s): Described the Taj as a mark of the Mughal Empire’s power.
- Abd al-Hamid Lahavri: Noted its significance as both a burial site and a testament to Emperor Shah Jahan’s glory.

Perspectives on the Taj Mahal

Tourism Industry: Seen as a major attraction and revenue generator.
Local Population: Viewed primarily as a tomb with religious significance confined to the mosque within it.
Cultural Symbolism:
- Western Appeal: Romanticized as a symbol of eternal love.
- National Symbol: Represents Indian heritage, often delinked from its Islamic roots for broader appeal.

Preservation and Conservation Efforts

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI): Responsible for maintaining the Taj Mahal.
Challenges:
- Pollution: Discoloration of marble due to pollution.
- Buffer Zone: Established a 2 km radius around the Taj where vehicles are prohibited to reduce pollution impact.

Key Symbol Concept

Definition: A Key Symbol represents the cultural, social, or national identity.

Examples:

Eiffel Tower: France
Statue of Liberty: USA
Taj Mahal: India

Case Study II: Bhimbetka

Bhimbetka rock shelters in Madhya Pradesh, India, showcase prehistoric human life through rock paintings and engravings from the Paleolithic to Mesolithic eras. These sites are significant for understanding early human history and are now major tourist attractions.

Importance of Rock Art Tourism

Rising Interest: McKercher and Du Cros (2002) reported an increase in rock art tourism, reflecting a broader surge in cultural tourism with over 240 million international travelers annually.
Conservation Challenges: Increased tourism can lead to potential damage to these fragile sites, creating a need for sustainable tourism practices.
Educational Importance: Educating tourists is crucial for preserving these irreplaceable sites, as emphasized by Deacon (2006).

Conservation and Preservation Efforts

Challenges:
- Tourist Impact: High visitor numbers can lead to wear and tear, especially if visitors touch the rock art, causing it to wear off.
- Contradiction: The funds generated from tourism often finance conservation efforts, yet tourism itself can damage these delicate sites.
Management by ASI:
- Role of ASI: In India, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is responsible for the restoration, conservation, and preservation of heritage sites.
- Guidelines: ASI issues guidelines to protect these sites, including posting barriers around sensitive areas and restricting access to maintain a safe distance between the rock art and tourists.

Principles of Cultural Tourism Management

International Guidelines: Following international agreements like UNESCO's guidelines for World Heritage sites (2001), principles for managing cultural tourism emphasize:

Education: Raising awareness among tourists about the importance and fragility of rock art.
Regulation: Implementing measures to control and limit access to sensitive areas to prevent damage.
Community Involvement: Engaging local communities in preservation efforts.

Tourism versus Heritage Sites: Some Issues

Natural vs. Heritage

UNESCO Definition: Issues in conservation arise from sites being categorized as both natural and heritage.
Historical Narratives: Michel-Rolph Trouillot (1995) suggests that historical narratives often exclude certain details, creating "silences."
Power Dynamics in Heritage: Delancy (2020) discusses how heritage is shaped by those in power, often sidelining local narratives (Authorised Heritage Discourse by Laurajane Smith).
Case Study - Tarpum Bay, Bahamas: Delancy emphasizes the need to understand heritage from the locals' perspective, challenging dominant colonial narratives.

Heritage vs. Local Culture

Tibetan Village in Meili Snow Mountains:
- Cultural vs. Natural Heritage: UNESCO lists the mountains as natural heritage, ignoring their cultural significance to Tibetans.
- Impact on Local Community: The heritage status favors tourism over local cultural preservation.
- Economic vs. Cultural Erosion: While tourism brings economic benefits, it erodes local culture (Laukkanen, 2018).

Local Environment vs. Tourist

Pollution:
- Beach Pollution: Tourism is a major contributor to plastic litter on Indian beaches (NCCR Study).
- Air Pollution: Tourism helped address pollution affecting the Taj Mahal.
Tourism's Dual Impact:
- Positive: Revenue generation, conservation efforts.
- Negative: Environmental degradation, cultural displacement.
Case Study - Bhimbetka: Tourism threatens the integrity of rock art due to increased visitor numbers.

Displacement of Local Communities

Protected Areas:
- Conflict with Local Communities: Creation of protected areas often leads to displacement of local communities (Vasan, 2018).
- Example - Sariska Tiger Reserve: Relocation of villages for tiger protection, leading to loss of indigenous culture.
Cultural Alteration: Tourism pressures can alter local cultures to meet tourist expectations, affecting social lives, beliefs, and values (McRea, 2003; Dogan, 1989).

UNIT 7 TOURISM VERSUS HERITAGE SITES REVISION NOTES