Enhancing heritage tourism in small and medium towns by leveraging their cultural heritage, traditional knowledge and skills

Abstract

Purpose

The Gurgaon district in Haryana represents a region that has little-known remains from the past and craft traditions that are under threat because of the rapid pace of urban development and changing demography. The heritage resources of the towns in the district, such as Farrukhnagar and Sohna, are neither integrated in the development agenda nor acknowledged appropriately in formal hospitality and tourism planning. Local knowledge in the form of traditional crafts, food and building techniques has dwindled over the recent decades. Stories about the heritage resources are embedded in public memory and personal histories, though not necessarily explicit. The purpose of this study is to reveal the possible connections between sustenance of the cultural resources and skill development in the context of these small and medium towns.

Design/methodology/approach

The skills, stories, knowledge and historic built form are examined as a part of this research to establish existing and potential community connections. The research entails identification of areas where capacity building is required, to enhance visitor experience and to develop heritage tourism, drawing from existing skill sets and traditional knowledge systems rather than looking outwards.

Findings

One of the challenges is the discontinuation of use of traditional building techniques for the physical conservation of historic structures/buildings into heritage hotels/bed-and-breakfast locations and tourism visitation spots. Tackling this gap can help development of homestays or heritage hotels, offering a unique experience for visitors who appreciate historic built form. Poor appreciation and interpretation of the heritage resources by the local community is another significant issue, as is the lack of skills that can help increase the appeal of these towns for the visitor interested in heritage tourism. The question is whether these skills are accessible for the residents of these towns and how this gap is being addressed.

Research limitations/implications

These explorations can result in informed approaches to capacity building and community engagement that are the key to establishing heritage-oriented hospitality and tourism in historic small and medium towns.

Originality/value

The paper brings the heritage of small and medium towns into focus and suggests an integrated approach for hospitality and tourism development through skill development, an area that has been neglected and disconnected till now.

Citation

Munjal, P.G. (2019), "Enhancing heritage tourism in small and medium towns by leveraging their cultural heritage, traditional knowledge and skills", Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, Vol. 11 No. 1, pp. 87-98. https://doi.org/10.1108/WHATT-11-2018-0067