Press Release
Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA) is a role model for other states owing to its work in conservation and restoration of forts and havelis in Rajasthan. It has played a huge role in preserving the heritage of the state. A fort federation has also been formed in Maharashtra to preserve the heritage and history of the state. The federation has created its own funds and seeks the involvement of IHHA as stakeholders in restoring and conserving the historic forts in Maharashtra. This was stated by Yuvraj Sambhaji Raje Chhatrapati on the second day of the 2-day Indian Heritage Hotels Association’s 9th Annual Convention where he was the Guest of Honour. The convention was organized at the Alila Fort in Bishangarh and was themed on ‘Reincarnation of IHHA to Conserve and Protect Indian Heritage’.
Yuvraj Sambhaji Raje further said that a big advantage that Rajasthan has over Maharashtra is that most of the forts here are privately owned. Thus, it makes it is easier to get the restoration works done at such sites. It is worth noting that Yuvraj Sambhaji Raje is the descendant of Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj and has played a pivotal role in restoring his capital fort and is also actively working towards conservation of more such forts in the state.
Several other interesting panel discussions, interactive sessions and presentations were held throughout the day. The investment opportunities and incentives for heritage hoteliers in the states of Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh were also discussed.
On the occasion, Mr. Ravi Shankar, IAS, Government of Uttarakhand, highlighted the key initiatives taken in the State to promote tourism. These include railway connectivity, helicopter connectivity, air ambulances. He also threw light on the investment opportunities in terms of development of 5-star hotels, pilgrimage circuits etc.
Similarly, Joint Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, Mr. Suresh Jharya shared the investment opportunities in the state of Madhya Pradesh. He gave detailed insights on the tourism policy of the state and said that the accessible, comprehensive and transparent nature of the policy makes it an incentive for investors. He also highlighted the land allotment process, opportunities for wildlife resorts and wellness resorts in the state.
Hospitality expert, Mr. Veer Vijay Singh made an elaborate presentation on various styles of hotel management options for owners which would be ideal for them. He shared detailed insights on the various styles such as – Family Management, Fixed Lease, Variable Lease, Franchise, Manchise etc.
Later sessions on various relevant topics such as ‘New Trends of Tourism’, ‘Heritage Architecture – a major driver of Tourism’ and ‘Family Contribution in Business’, among others were also held.