Tourism policy innovations of an Indian state (Haryana)and their implications

Sharma, Chanchal Kumar (2005): Tourism policy innovations of an Indian state (Haryana)and their implications. Published in: TOURISM: An International Interdisciplinary Journal , Vol. 53, No. 1 (2005): pp. 67-76.

Abstract

Haryana was established in 1966 by getting carved out from the heart of the Indo-Gigantic plains. Roughly the size of Belgium, Haryana has a track record of innovative tourism policies.Way back in '70s it was the first state to pioneer highway tourism. It went on to experiment with cultural and pilgrimage tourism in 80s and adventure and golf tourism in 90s and then farmhouse tourism at the turn of the century. While an emphasis on expanding markets for tourism is a praiseworthy move, devising strategies for promoting and protecting local culture, values, heritage, lifestyles and local natural resources and environments is also critical for sustenance of tourism. The paper looks at the socio-cultural dimensions of various tourism strategies adopted by the state of Haryana, in order to underline the importance of ensuring effective planning and management for guaranteeing protection and preservation of cultural heritage, values, local environments and social well-being. It is thus a call for a mature response on part of the government for ensuring sustainable development of tourism. There is a need to develop a strategic framework involving coherent partnership between all the stakeholders, ensuring generation of foreign exchange without creating socio cultural and environmental problems and without having to exhaust assets which cannot be replaced.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: tourism policy; highway tourism; adventure and golf tourism; farm house tourism; Haryana; India
• Subjects: Z - Other Special Topics > Z0 - General; Y - Miscellaneous Categories > Y9 - Other

References

• Barbier E. B. (1987) The Concept of Sustainable Development. Environmental Conservation, 14 (2), 101-110. • Chachage C. S. L. (1999) Globalization and Transitions in Tourism in Tanzania. Nordic Africa Institute. • Haryana Tourism Official Website. Available from: http://www. haryanatourism.com • http://www.ashextourism.com/village/haryana/index.html. • Intra Brand Equity foundation (2005, February 11), “Policy Achievements and Recent Initiatives” IBEF, Confederation of Indian Industry, Gurgaon, Haryana (India). • MacCannell D. (1992) Empty Meeting Grounds. New York: Routledge. • Naipaul R. (1978) North of South: An African Journey. London: Andre Deutch. • Pera L. and Deborah McLaren (1999 November). Globalization, Tourism and Indigenous Peoples: What You Should Know about the World’s Largest Industry (Online). Available from: http://www2.planeta.com/mader/ecotravel/resources/rtp/ globalization.html • Sachidanand Murthy (2003) Last Word: Of Mercs and Maize. The Week, Oct 12, 2003. • World Tourism Organization (1985), The State’s Role in Protecting and Promoting Culture as a Factor of Tourism Development and the Proper Use and Exploitation of the National Cultural Heritage of Sites and Monuments for Tourism. Madrid: World Tourism Organization