The 14th International Heritage Tourism Conclave, themed “ख़याल विरासत का”, brought together leaders from government, royalty, tourism, and culture to advance heritage-led tourism as a driver of economic and social transformation.
Highlights:
- Held at the majestic Lukshmi Villas Palace in Vadodara on 25th July 2025.
- Hosted by PHDCCI in association with the Ministry of Tourism and its key partners
- Attended by policymakers, royal dignitaries, diplomats, and heritage experts
- Launch of PHDCCI-KPMG Heritage Tourism Report
- Discussions spanned Gujarat’s tourism model, Shekhawati restoration, culinary heritage, and women’s role in tourism
- Traditional Gujarati lunch and heritage walk added cultural depth
- Over 25 B2B meetings to promote collaborations
Against the regal setting of Vadodara’s Lukshmi Villas Palace, the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Gujarat Tourism, Delhi Tourism, IndiGo, and IRCTC, hosted the 14th International Heritage Tourism Conclave on 25th July 2025. Centered on the theme “ख़याल विरासत का”, the event served as a dynamic platform for policy exchange, innovation, and advocacy for heritage-driven tourism.
The conclave convened a diverse group of stakeholders—royal dignitaries, diplomats, architects, cultural custodians, chefs, and tourism professionals—exploring how India’s heritage can power economic growth, community upliftment, and cultural preservation.
Keynote speaker Mr. Rajender Kumar (IAS), Secretary – Tourism, Civil Aviation, Government of Gujarat, emphasized a community-first approach:
“We are not only restoring monuments but also ensuring direct benefits to local communities through jobs, infrastructure, and cultural pride.”
His Highness Samarjitsinh Gaekwad, Maharaja of Baroda, urged relevance in heritage conservation:
“Heritage must live on through connection with future generations, not just nostalgia.”
Mr. Mohamed Farouk, Regional Director – India Tourism Mumbai, highlighted flagship government initiatives such as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and PRASHAD, which connect destinations through cuisine, folklore, and handicrafts. Rajan Sehgal of PHDCCI underscored heritage tourism’s vital role in shaping cultural identity and driving economic growth.
The event opened with a soulful Saraswati Vandana by students of Maharaja Sayajirao University and featured the release of the PHDCCI-KPMG Heritage Tourism Report, highlighting the role of public-private partnerships (PPPs).
Session Highlights Included:
- Vibrant Gujarat Model: Showcased grassroots heritage practices and adaptive reuse models.
- Shekhawati Legacy: Tackled private restoration incentives and policy gaps.
- Culinary Tourism: Led by Prof. Pushpesh Pant, this session portrayed food as a vital cultural asset.
- Traditional Gujarati Lunch – ‘Bapor nu Bhojan’: Curated by Chef Pritesh Raut, it celebrated regional flavors.
- Champaner-Pavagadh Case Study: Dr. Amita Sinha shared insights on reimagining UNESCO heritage through community engagement.
- Women as Custodians of Culture: Royals like HH Radhikaraje Gaekwad and HH Kadambaridevi Jadeja advocated for supporting women in tourism.
- Architecture & Storytelling: Promoted tech-based and inclusive storytelling for youth engagement.
- Heritage Transport: Called for grants to restore vintage mobility assets.
The conclave also hosted 25+ B2B meetings, connecting tourism boards, hospitality leaders, and entrepreneurs to strengthen cross-sectoral heritage collaborations.
The day concluded with a contemporary art showcase and a guided Heritage Walk of the palace, offering an immersive cultural experience.
Partners and Supporters:
The event was supported by Mann Fleet Partners, ADTOI, FHRAI, IATO, TAAI, VTAA, HTA Gujarat, and key corporate partners like Mankind Pharma, KLJ Resources, JK Tyre, and Yashoda Hospitals.
The conclave marked a major stride in reimagining India’s heritage through sustainable tourism, innovative policies, and inclusive narratives.
