Rising star: Heritage hotels get a place on the tourism map  ( May '23,2005, ET)

Heritage tourism is gaining importance in promoting India as a tourist destination. Heritage hotels have grown three times in number since 1991 (in the classified and brand category). According to Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA), while there were 51 heritage hotels in 1991, the number rose to 154 in ‘04.

According to IHHA, there are many more heritage hotels in India which are not registered but run independently as heritage properties by owners. Amongst the hotels chains, it is ITC Welcomgroup leading the pack with 35 heritage hotels under the WelcomHeritage banner, followed by Historic Resort Hotels (HRH) which has 12 properties. In the recent past, Neeemrana Hotels too has emerged as a successful heritage hotel chain with 11 hotels in its portfolio.

Of the 154 heritage hotels, a large number of heritage properties (close to 100 heritage hotels) is spread across Rajasthan, Gujarat and all of North India. There are very few heritage hotels from the southern and eastern parts of India. “Heritage hotels in India are very unique. One can ride the tourism boom on this unique product which can be experienced only in India.

Most tourists can get five-star culture anywhere in the world, but the heritage experience is altogether different.” said Randhir Vikram Singh, chairman, IHHA. According to the ministry of tourism, heritage hotels and monuments can be clubbed together and promoted. There are many interesting monuments all over India. Goa, for instance, is known as a tourist paradise for its beaches, but has the most endearing churches in Asia.Neemrana Hotels co-chairman Francis Wacziarg said, “In India, our government and the owners of the heritage properties are beginning to be aware of the heritage hotels and its importance to tourism. Heritage hotels give an authentic image to India. All over the world, heritage properties are promoted and across Europe, especially in Spain and Italy, old castles and chateaux, classified as heritage properties are very popular, and they play a significant role in promoting tourism in their economies. “One cannot experience authencity in the five-star hotels and moreover, the deluxe five-star hotels are not unique to India,” added Mr Wacziarg.

However, heritage hotels in India have taken a long time to get recognised. “It is the ownership issues and the expenses involved in restoration that have caused the delay. These properties have to be built brick by brick. Palaces have only 1-2 bathrooms, but if you have to convert a palace into a hotel, each room has to have a bathroom. Moreover ownership hassles are large for there are more than 100 owners in each property,” said Rabindra Seth, a travel consultant. Industry officials feel that in order to make heritage tourism popular, the government needs to improve rural infrastructure and improve connectivity.

“To take it forward, we need to improve rural infrastructure first, enforce cleanliness of the villages and towns where these hotels are located. The government must also organise special road shows the world over for increased awareness of the historic monuments and palace hotels,” said Mr Singh of IHHA. Tour operators said there is a new element to the heritage culture with hotels aping the heritage and architecture of palaces. For instance, the Vilas hotel properties by Oberoi group are akin to palace hotels. These hotels are not classified as heritage, but they have all elements of India’s rich heritage and culture and diversity embedded in them. Each hotel has adopted the local culture, architect, food, music and dance which adds up to the heritage experience.

Fort Rajawada in Jodhpur is another new hotel with all heritage elements in the architecture and interiors.