Strategic Role of Hampi Development Authority in Promoting Tourism in Karnataka: a Study

Abstract

Tourism has attained the status of a dominant economic activity in both the developed and the developing nations. The diversity of Indian heritage adds to the appeal and fascination of India as a tourist destination. Hampi world heritage site in Karnataka is an example of heritage tourism practices in India. To attract more number of tourists and for the preservation and conservation of the monuments the government of Karnataka established Hampi Development Authority (HDA) in the year 2002. HDA has taken many steps to satisfy the UNESCO in order to retain the world heritage site status of Hampi. The authority has carried out many activities to ensure the proper management and development of the world heritage site. Stoppage of quarrying in the heritage area, providing road infrastructure, removal of encroachments, setting up of the facilitation centre etc. are among the few initiatives by HDA towards planned tourism development in the area. Acquisition of land, excavations, optical fibre lighting etc. are certain area of cooperation of HDA with the Archaeological survey of India (ASI) at the world heritage site. The HDA plays a strategic role in promoting tourism in Karnataka by meticulously following the guidelines and suggestions of UNESCO to maintain the sustainability in and around the world heritage site of Hampi. This article also proposes few suggestions to HDA to shoulder the greater responsibility in the preservation and conservation of the monuments and also in projecting the world heritage site as a world-class tourist destination in the world tourism map.