Heritage Tourism and Development

Tourism emerged as the largest global industry of the 20th century. In the new millennium global economy will be governed by Technology, Telecommunication and Tourism. Tourism has potential to create the maximum number of jobs. According to an assessment, in India alone, 100 million additional jobs will be created by the Tourism industry in the next 25 years. It helps to earn valuable foreign exchange. There has been rate race among the developed and developing countries to expand tourism indiscriminately, which has resulted, in severe cultural and ecological damages to the host country. Development does not mean increase in GNP and GDP alone. It must add to prosperity and happiness. An important feature of the tourism industry is its contribution to the national integration and creation of harmonious social and cultural environment. It also encourages respect for the preservation of monuments and heritage properties. It should help the promotion of arts, crafts, and culture and bring about prosperity and sustainable development. Thus contribute to the creation of prosperous, healthy and peaceful world order. W.T.O. and UNEP is sparing no efforts to create such a happy scenario. By 2020, tourism is poised to be the single most important influence on global trade and commerce.