Visitor Management to Tourism Sector

Visitor Management to Tourism Sector

By Prof. Nalini Thakur, Dept. of Architectural Conservation, School of Planning & Architecture, New Delhi 1

CHAPTER 10: VISITOR MANAGEMENT TO TOURISM SECTOR

10.1 INTRODUCTION

Tourism is a phenomenon that has had its own evolution and is now a massive economic

base in some countries. It has become a commercial industry which seeks to bring in maximum

revenue. However, with its magnifying importance come great risks. It is persistently being relied

upon but tourism, as can be realized, is not constant; as it comes it can also disappear. Natural

disasters can destroy tourism and jeopardise the entire economy. For example, the colossal

damage to infrastructure and fear caused by the 2004 Tsunami in Thailand’s tourism sector had

tremendous negative impact, leaving it twice as vulnerable and helpless with its primary supply of

revenue cut off. The people of Nepal had innovated ways to sustain themselves by providing for

foreign tourists. With its political crisis of 2001 the tourist inflow has disappeared from

Kathmandu, leaving an economic vacuum in the country. However, on the other hand the

economy of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea entirely depends on its tourism sector and its

economy has been structured to this National goal. The conventional agriculture, industry and

service base is not viable and tourism is developed to serve a primary purpose.

The point being made is that Tourism has the potential but the risks and problems have

to be consciously addressed and managed effectively. This intrinsic risk makes Tourism a double

edged sword which needs to be comprehended in all Tourism Policies and strategies.

The relationship between Heritage and Tourism sectors is critical in Hampi World

Heritage Site Management. In Hampi, Tourism potential exists because of its heritage. In turn,

Tourism can both help and destroy the site and therefore a sustainable Tourism strategy is

essential before the Tourism sector management is contemplated. The position taken by the IMP

to find the balance is by giving first priority in heritage management, to maintain the OUV as

required in the World Heritage Convention. The second priority is planning and development

and tourism industry the third. This prioritisation can ensure that the more lucrative tourism

sector and the development related areas are complementary.

Having established that tourism can be ephemeral, government should take care when

investing in the industry. The site should not overly depend on public funds to finance Tourism

projects because it is not pure and safe development area. The tourism sector should outline its

policy intelligently so as to benefit the local heritage – landscape, man-made structures and living

heritage – and thus, make tourism more sustainable and long-lasting.

Integrated Management Plan for Hampi World Heritage Site July 2007

Prepared for Archaeological Survey of India 2

10.1.1 Existing frameworks, directives and other references- International, National and

State Tourism Policies

Tourism is an international concept that has been ingrained into the Indian

administration.

There is a close link of tourism with development, which in turn is linked with local

government (73rd and 74th Amendments to the Constitution, item 5, State List, Schedule VII,

COI), Economic and Social planning (Item 20, Concurrent List, Schedule VII, COI) and many

other sectors; its potential is yet to be realized through more holistic and inclusive strategies.

Within the National Framework of our country there is a distinct difference between the

ideas of pilgrimage, a unique cultural phenomenon in India existing from time immemorial, and

tourism, something that has been adopted post-independence.

As discussed in Chapter 4, it has been established that pilgrimage which has aspects of

intangible heritage is a social requirement and state responsibility while tourism has been

recognized as an industry by the Planning Commission but not identified as a distinct item in

Schedule VII of the Constitution.

10.1.1.1 International:

In the above scenario with India signing the World Heritage Convention 72, an

additional dimension comes into play affecting the pilgrimage and tourism fragile balance.

The visitor management parameters are committed towards responsible management of

heritage site. The World Heritage System- the Convention, its Operational Guidelines and the

Management Guidelines for the WHSs, suggest visualising all visitors without distinction and

provide basic policy guidelines from the position of responsible heritage site management. It is

imperative that the tourism strategy for HWHS balance the International requirements with our

National goals.

Therefore, the IMP will also use the nomenclature “visitor” and not make distinction

between tourist and pilgrim to give uniformity in approach. The variety in provision of

facilities will take care of the diversity of visitors.

10.1.1.2 National Tourism Policy 2002 of GoI

Some features:



• The National Tourism Policy 2002 talks of an institutional framework that would have to

evolve, that is “Government led, private sector driven and community welfare oriented”

• Government provides for regulatory frameworks for tourism trade and industry, ensures

safety and security to tourists, and create basic infrastructure and health facilities

• The private sector acts as a main spring of activities

• Both are required to safeguard the stability and socio-economic advancement of local and

neighbourhood communities.

• It proposes inclusion of Tourism in the List III – Concurrent List, Schedule VII of the

Constitution.

• Sustainability in tourism has been defined in environment terms.

• Lays emphasis on catering to domestic tourist and pilgrims; that facilities created so can serve

as backbone for international visitor.

10.1.1.3 Karnataka Tourism Policy 2002 – 2007 of GOK

Some features:

• Twin objective of promoting tourism-related activities and enhancing employment and

income-generation among all sections of the society to further promote tourism in the State.

• The State Department of Tourism to prepare Comprehensive Development Plans for

development of major tourist spots, including Hampi.

• The State Department of Tourism to prepare and implement comprehensive infrastructural

plans at major tourist destinations

• The Department of Tourism is to provide land for following facilities:

- Food Craft Institute

- Tourism Complex

- Information Centre

• The Department of Tourism shall develop area around important ancient and historical

monuments.

• Trained tourist guides are to be made available at all major tourist locations.

The emphasis on enhancing employment and income-generation among all sections of

the society through tourism is a very valid objective of the state policy. However, no system has

been developed to achieve the same as the approach is project oriented. On the whole, the



tourism policies, both at the national and state levels focus on the economic benefits of tourism

and are project based.

10.1.2 Concepts prevalent in current Tourism initiatives by GOI and others applicable

The Tourism initiatives by GOI have already included such concepts and forms of

tourism as Rural Tourism, Endogenous Tourism, Heritage Tourism and Adventure

tourism which promote rural life, local culture, sustainable livelihoods and natural and cultural

heritage for the social and economic benefit of the Local community and the Site. They also

enable interaction between the tourists, the local community and nature for a more enriching

tourism experience based on exploration, interaction, adventure and thrill.

However, there are some more definitions accepted internationally that are pertinent to

HWHS. These are the definitions for Sustainable Tourism, Ecotourism and Cultural

tourism. 1

The focus of IMP is to ensure that Tourism development shall meet the needs of the

present tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing opportunity for the future and

not harming in any respect the cultural, biological and ecological resources of the Site. Tourism

has to be understood as part of the mainstream economic development and not as an isolated

industry or enterprise. The paramount emphasis must be on the protection of the Outstanding

Universal values of the World Heritage Site of Hampi. Refer to Annexure 22-Tourism Definitions.

10.1.3 Current Tourism Initiatives

Development of Hampi as a Destination, Karnataka for 2002-03 was one of the Tourism

schemes sanctioned during the 10th Five Year Plan. The plan also sanctioned the development

of Tourist Circuit of Hampi-Chitradurga-Bangalore Circuit, Karnataka and Sound and Light show at

Hampi for the year 2003-04.

The Report of the Working Group on Tourism, 11th Five Year Plan (2007- 12) prepared

by Ministry Of Tourism, GOI identifies Hampi as foremost priority among the selected six

world heritage sites for examining the available tourist facilities and developing those that are

unavailable.

The activities at the pilot sites of the Endogenous Tourism includes the creation of

1 Refer to Definitions of each in the Annexure 22.



village Kala Kendras and Vishram Sthals, training local residents in hospitality-related professions

such as lodging, cuisine and guiding.

The Endogenous Tourism Project aims at developing community-private partnerships.

Anegundi is identified as one of the 31 rural locations for promotion of Gurukul- concept or

traditional schools. Well meaning, all of this needs to be done in consonance with the vision

statement of the IMP.

At the same time, the IMP team does not appreciate some of the recent endeavours in

the name of infrastructure projects, which are insensitive to the physical attributes and values of

the site and the tourism initiatives which respond to only a select group of tourists from outside

the region while overlooking the needs and requirements of countless pilgrims from within and

outside the region, who throng the site during various festivals.

While responding to the high end is lucrative to a certain extent, the prerogative of the other

fractions of society to basic services must not be denied. The lower and the middle end

categories of visitors must also be served to encourage more and wider class of people to visit

the site.

10.2 THE FINDINGS OF STUDY OF THE HAMPI WORLD HERITAGE

SITE AS A VISITOR DESTINATION

Tourists visit Hampi World Heritage Site for recreational and tourism purposes. The tourists

could be foreign, national, regional or even from the neighbouring-area. Foreigners usually come

to the site from October/ November to March/ April, while Indians come in a steady flow

throughout the year, especially during December/ January and May/ June. There is a wide range

of economic capacity from well-to-do people to lower income groups. The focus of their visit is

usually the monuments and sculptures. Most visitors follow prescribed tourist routes- within the

Royal and Sacred Enclosures. Refer Map 8. A few, mostly backpackers, explore a larger region.

Pilgrimage to Hampi far exceeds tourism in scale and in complexity. Diverse community groups

come to specific parts of the site as per their beliefs based on the strong associational value

Hampi has. Pilgrims pay their respects to the site for religious purposes. Pilgrims are usually

regional or local and a significant percentage of pilgrims are poor. Living temples, shrines and

mathas which usually are the focus of religious activities and timeless rituals are what the pilgrims

seek. Baths in the river or any type of participation with nature of religious connotation could

hold their attention. The routes they follow could be specific or a trail of temples till the final



destination leads them to the Virupaksha Temple. The pilgrims visit the site according to the

festival calendar.

10.2.1 Tourism and Pilgrimage in Hampi

From the studies and experience of the IMP Team a brief summary is outlined below.

This fits within the larger definition of Cultural Tourism, more specifically:

10.2.1.1 Hampi as a Tirtha or Centre for pilgrimages

As identified in Chapter 2: Site to be Managed, Hampi denoted as Pampakshetra and

Kishkindha, is a highly venerated Sacred Landscape attracting lakhs2 of pilgrims annually3 who

follow pre-determined routes along temples and sacred shrines towards pilgrimage. Refer plate

1and 2. Many religious ceremonies, festivals and jatras/local fairs are celebrated throughout the

year. Most pilgrims visit during Shravana Maas to venerate Lord Shiva. Sankaranti and Sivaratri are

very important with pilgrims swarming the entire cultural landscape. Within the week itself,

certain days are allocated to certain deities. Refer festival calendar in Annexure 20.

Every village also has a village deity or ‘gram devta’, for whom several rituals are

performed and these may vary. This dimension is much more than a visitation of the site

and manifests itself as intangible heritage at Hampi. The nature of pilgrims and pilgrimages

may vary throughout the year. These include:

A. Organized pilgrims who travel in large groups – around festival times or on special

weekdays

B. Unorganized pilgrims who may travel alone – around festival times or on special

weekdays

C. Families who visit their prime deity to seek his/her blessings, e.g. Lord Virupaksha,

on special family occasions like marriage and child birth – upper, middle and lower

economic class; overlap with a picnicker

D. Organized LTC groups in bus loads from major cities in the region that come for

both pilgrimage and recreation

E. Any other

2 Indian equivalent of the western numerical ‘Hundred Thousand’ 3 Just the 3-day ritual of ‘Phalapuja’ held sometime in December alone attracts around 40,000 pilgrims



10.2.1.2 Hampi as a Recreational and Educational Tourist Destination

Hampi as a tourist destination centres upon the Vijayanagara archaeological legacy for

educational and recreational purposes; and attracts numerous tourists for visit to monuments,

educational tours for students, et al. Groups such as these also extend their trip to Hampi after

visiting the Tungabhadra Dam and the Bear sanctuary nearby. Refer plates 3 and 4.

10.2.2 Visitor Profile

As already clear from the above point, there are two types of visitors coming to Hampi-

Tourists and Pilgrims. Their agendas and background are different.

Visitors in this category may be further sub-classified as:

10.2.2.1 International visitor

A. High and middle end – rare; hardly stay overnight on site

B. Backpackers – in very large numbers; stay for long durations at mushrooming guest

houses in Hampi

10.2.2.2 Domestic

A. Organized national and regional tourist groups – may stay overnight

B. Unorganized national and regional tourist to the site – duration of stay generally

varies from 1 to 3 days; overlap with pilgrims

C. Schools and colleges educational tours

D. Neighbourhood picnickers; overlap with pilgrims

For statistical information refer Visitor Demography in Annexure 23.

10.2.23 Facilities availed by the visitors

Local people visit the monuments every weekend for picnicking purposes. Most tourists,

apart from the backpackers, visit the site only for a day. The ones who stay back, book their stays

at Hampi village, Kamalapura and Hospet. Most of the guest houses at Hampi are neat and clean

but they cater only to the foreign backpackers. KSTDC Hotel Mayura Bhuvaneshwari,



Kamalapura is the nearest hotel preferred by economically well-off visitors. Other facilities can

only be seen in Hospet, TB Dam, Bellary, Gangawati and Sandur, most of which are are 3 star

and above. However, the accommodation facilities do not provide for all ends and classes of

visitors.

The restaurants aren’t usually frequented by tourists but backpackers staying over for a

few days make avail of it. Pilgrims usually come and leave the same day or stay over-night to

attend the morning of Abhisheka of Virupaksha. The pilgrims use the mandapas for sleeping since

most cannot afford lodging facilities. The duration of the stay might increase during festival

season. Facilities which can be expended inexpensively, like recreational picnics on the ghats,

rides on coracles, emergency health facilities, and South Indian restaurants are availed.

Indigenous shops that supply items for performing pooja at Virupaksha, cater to the needs of the

pilgrims. Pilgrims may also purchase some arts and crafts items from Lambani ladies since they

are cheaper and affordable.

Sanitation and drinking water facilities are observed to be lacking. Communication

facilities (STD/ISD booths, internet, etc.) are adequate at Hampi, Kamalapura, Hospet, but

services are not satisfactory.

Though Hospet has hospitals, the Emergency Health services at the site are felt missing.

In Hampi, there is only one Ayurveda clinic in Virupaksha temple precinct and no chemist

shops. In Kamalapura, there are small clinics that can cater to first aid and there are some

chemist shops. Overall, there is a major lack of health facilities.

There is also no police station in the village of Anegundi. The law and order situation is

often worsened by the lack of connectivity due to the river.

10.2.3 The paradox

Tourism, so far being treated as an industry exclusively for the tourists, has resulted in

the neglect of pilgrims. Pilgrimage, unlike tourism, is non-profit making. It actually forms a large

part of intangible heritage on site and the needs of the pilgrims must be provided for as well.

Within the Indian system Tourism and pilgrimage constitute a paradox because of the

inherent contradictions in responsibility and jurisdictions. Indian pilgrimage has a different basis

of operation. Pilgrimage per se is participatory and works on donations. It’s not like the

commercial set up that is in the tourism industry. This paradox has to be understood. When

planning for sustainable tourism, the sustainability within this existing pilgrimage system has to

be studied and understood. As an instance, the stays at a dharamshala are related to affordability



criteria of the user- one pays what one can. There is no fixed amount. It is another system

altogether and a very strong system prevalent in the country. This tradition, which is part of the

intangible heritage, should not be threatened by bringing in the commercial angle. The

sustainable tourism policy must take in the principles of sustainability that subsists within the

pilgrimage system and co-exists without eradicating the other’s existence.

Another contradiction emerges with Tourism defined as industry. It becomes separated

from mainstream normal development which is one of the major causes of the problem.

Pilgrims are the State responsibility and the State should ideally provide for relevant

organization and facilities for them. Pilgrims are poor and there is no prerogative for profit-

making in pilgrimage. Yet, tourism, which is an industry and becoming a commercial banner,

thrives on accommodating only one category of tourists of the higher level. Other categories of

tourists and pilgrims are neglected. Tourism as part of development means that it falls within a

structure and does not overpower aspects of development by being unilateral or by threatening

social equity.

Tourism as a functioning industry is problematic because it is closely linked to

the site. Cultural significance of site and the development needs of local communities

and their priorities supersede the industry and thus constitute the paradoxes.

Tourism policy in our country has not been central to local community development but

focused on potentiality of tourists. The IMP recognizes the floating population of Hampi and its

status as a visitor centre, especially as a sacred centre for pilgrimages.

There is a great number and diversity of visitors to the site who come to the site. There is

a need to address the essential requirements of the visitor community and the IMP does allow

for the same. This is the challenge posed by this sector.

The scale of pilgrimage in India is not to be under estimated. In the most recent

pilgrimage event at the Ardh Kumbh at Allahabad, the camp space provided was of a greater area

than the inscribed site of HWHS. Thus, the scale and numbers have to be realised and

understood.

The premise-the Indian culture of pilgrimage and traditional supports of this

phenomenon is entirely different from the idea of tourism. Pilgrimage is still strongly embedded

in the traditional paradigm which is non commercial concept, participatory and sustainable.

Tourism, which is an international concept, stems from prosperity when better information and

leisure time is available.



In Indian policy, the two ideas have been co-existing not very comfortably which will

need to be addressed for responsible HWHS management. The Government supports

pilgrimages and recent trends show massive scale and complexity in pilgrimage.

The IMP Team would like to re-invoke the sustainable principles of traditional

pilgrimage visitation and integrate it into mainstream community development to bring about a

new Indian visitor management.

10.3 ISSUES

10.3.1 Lack of Response to Volume VI

In Volume VI, OMP an outline strategy for the Tourism sector for response and

discussion from the official stakeholders was prepared. The objective was to make Tourism

more part of mainstream development process, integrate pilgrim needs instead of executing

projects. The idea is to achieve the right balance that will not jeopardise the interests of the

tourism industry as well heritage. However in the absence of response to Volume VI and the

need to resolve the interface between Tourism and heritage protection and management, the

IMP Team met the Minister of Culture and concerned officials in the Ministry to initiate a

sustainable Tourism Strategy for Hampi World heritage Site. The chapter has integrated the

experience.

10.3.1.1 Project based outlook of Tourism Policies

At present, both Central and the State governments make policy level decisions vis-à-vis

tourism but sustainability and safeguarding values and significance of heritage sites are not yet

part of policy. The Tourism policies, both at the central and state levels, focus on potentiality of

visitors and the economic benefits to be accrued so. The state policy is especially project based.

The social responsibility of this sector is yet to be realized where tourism becomes central to

local community development in reality. The sector also has the added responsibility of

maintaining the OUVs of the site.

10.3.1.2 No Interface with IMP

The initial policy was perhaps too one-sided. However, there has been no progress as

such. The DC, as Chairman of Authority, called for a meeting with the concerned Ministry to



discuss the tourism issue. Somehow, the IMP team was not involved in the dialogue process or

the consultative inputs, which would have taken the efforts of IMP further. This goes to show

that there is a lack of sharing valid information amongst concerned people which will hamper the

growth of heritage conservation and adversely affect management of the site. There have been

good attempts of conducting small, uncontroversial projects following the right procedure.

However, the scale was small and the vision, found wanting.

10.3.1.3 No Interface with Master Plan

The new Draft Master Plan for the HWHA / LPA has managed to accommodate all

tourism projects in offering, with no attempt to ensure their sustainability or impact on the

protection of the various cultural resources on the site. The Master Plan is a statutory document.

The tourism part of it is unsustainable. The Master Plan has legal obligations for entitlements

and equity and this Master Plan falls short of it. To use it for the tourism goals is unacceptable.

10.3.1.4 Funding to ‘Projects’

Funding from Ministry and other sources is Project based. As an instance, Tata

Consultancy Services have given a list of estimates without any justification. Most of it will be

invested in commercial tourism, like cloak rooms, orientation centres, food and shopping malls

and other facilities like picnic spots. This is not acceptable. Refer to Chapter 13.

10.3.1.5 Issues at the Site

The issues at the site primarily pertain to –

A. Tourism overpowering other aspects of development – “tourism as a part of

management; not management for tourism”

B. Pilgrim requirements are neglected completely – no regard for their needs; the entire

system has to be worked out

10.3.1.6 Tourism Sustainability with local economy and local skills



• Problem of inadequate quality facilities to visitors in all fields– boarding and lodging,

restaurants and eateries, information and interpretation, drinking water and toilet

services, signage etc.

• No comprehensive planning of visitor facilities and emphasis on facilities not of primary

importance such as commercially driven recreation. Heritage values can offer recreation

also and the use of insensitive measures is not advisable and should not be allowed.

• Issue of Integration of tourism infrastructure with local planning and development plans

• Tourism is project based and not process based

• The issues represented by the HUDCO Centre.4

• The present plot identified for tourism facilities in Kamalapuram shall become a part of

HWHA once boundaries are rationalized. The nature of tourism development in that

area shall need to be in accordance with the management plan. There cannot be an

isolated development. The area has buried archaeological remains and that needs to be

ascertained.

• Non-Involvement of Locals- Most of the arrangements for visitor management do not

involve the locals in any capacity. This only leads to security and unemployment

problems in this area. No guidance or training has been given to the locals for the jobs

that are generated by tourism. Capacity building and training are required for guides and

‘Communicators’.

Refer Volume VI also for the above issues.

10.3.1.7 Lopsided perception in Tourism Management

Lack of site comprehension has a detrimental impact on tourism. With the present

interest only on the 56 monuments, it results in an overall approach that is inequitable in nature

where the focus of all actions is a monument that attracts many tourists, and the visual value

takes precedence over others. Structures with less or no visual value get neglected in

consequence. For enhanced Site comprehension, refer Volume III and Chapter 2, Site to be Managed.

Potential of built heritage is popularly understood only in terms of Tourism that affects

the orientation of actions for protection and management to be undertaken. It is seen as the only

way to bridge the perceived isolated sectors of heritage management and new

development/economy. The Redefinition of Cultural Resources exercise of the IMP suggests a large

carrying capacity provided it is implemented and the focus is on heritage.



10.3.1.8 Inappropriate Nature of Regulations

A valid example of this is demonstrated in stopping of licenses for guesthouses. In

Hampi, guesthouses of varied capacities are run by as many as 30 local families on the licenses

issued to them. However, since 2003, they have not been issued or renewed as such an activity is

perceived as harmful to the heritage structures. On one hand, this decision poses a threat to the

income and only source of livelihood for many families on the other the licenses continue to be

issued by the panchayats in absence of onground regulations by the Authority, resulting in illegal

constructions and running of guest-houses.

10.3.1.9 Issue of Location of Tourism structures

There is a need to locate the Tourism related structures in a way that they do not harm the site,

respect the values of World Heritage Site and ensure interaction with community. An instance

like the HUDCO Shopping Centre at Kadirampur, which once represented a quick official

solution to the tourism requirements of the site of Hampi, has now become a good learning

example-a model for ‘non-emulation’.

Though, Kadirampur is not a very old settlement; it is right within the core zone. It

consists of a number of heritage components like tombs, some of the fortification walls, and

many Mantapas. The threat of rapid urbanization was also underestimated in the proposal.

Although, the termination of the HUDCO Centre project was recognized as one of the bench

marks responsible for removing Hampi from the endangered list, the continuation of this

isolated approach resurfaced in the consideration of the alternative site in Kamalapuram, near

the hotel Bhuvanesvari.

The Integrated approach requires the tourism uses and locations to sit comfortably

within the mainstream development process. The Master Plan and the Land use plan which are

statutory, need to be utilised effectively for the maintenance of the outstanding significance of

the site and the interests of the local community. The IMP Team agrees with the infrastructure

4 Refer to the table in Chapter 8 on Integrative Management: Planning and Development



requirements of the tourism industry but would like to see them located through the planning

process, which makes the approach legal and the projects more sustainable.

10.3.1.10 Unsustainable and Unauthentic Practices

It is to be noted that when the interests of tourism take priority over the essential needs

of conservation the future of the site is at stake.

A significant issue is the implication of the large-scale planned tourism projects on the

authenticity and integrity of the site. As an instance, Virupapuragadda is an island in the river

which has mushroomed with tourist accommodations. Also, these new guest houses use

construction techniques not indigenous to the place. This is unsustainable.

Many actions on structures themselves- including bizarre embellishments and facadism

are oriented towards making them presentable to the tourists. This severely hampers the site’s

historic, archaeological and indigenous architectural values.

As an instance, the entrance gate at Kadirampur is an imitation not suitable for entrance

to the World heritage site. The entrance gate also falsifies the large variety of original entrance

gates of Vijayanagara. Besides activities such as construction of new ghats along the river

Tungabhadra, Sound and Light arrangement in the Vitthala temple, stone signage, laying of new

pavements on top of the old ones and pseudo-landscaping behind the Virupaksha temple point

towards ill-conceived projects, which are threatening the authenticity of the site. Refer plates 5,6

and 7.

10.3.1.11 Proper interfacing lacking between various sectors in planning: Physical infrastructure, Tourism and

Heritage

Physical infrastructure is the foundation of a sound tourism sector and visitor

management. At the same time it must not conflict with needs of protection. Infrastructure for

tourism purposes means improving access, connectivity, providing for boarding, communication

and other facilities inclusive of the service infrastructure. This also indicates the overlap of

tourism sector with General management.

In the case of Hampi, the unabated tourism activities have triggered off obtrusive new

roads, by-pass, structures associated with infrastructure like poles and transformer buildings,

protection fences and landscaping which make the site incoherent and other such menaces.



As an instance recent transformations in road network are insensitive to natural setting

and do not consider the heritage as positive constraints. Hampi WHS is a potential node for

tourism which would require well-connected transport network but it forms bottleneck for

traffic within and around site and results in haphazard growth. As a contrast, ancient routes were

laid most strategically to set within nature without destroying it. Refer plates 8 and 9.

Tourism and other economic developments are catalyst for rapid infrastructure

development and if not handled sensitively they can bring much damage to HWHS.

The central concern to be noted is that these tourism projects do not benefit the

local people at large, nor do they take into account local skills and knowledge systems.

In fact in some cases, the interests of the local people are completely sidelined.

Therefore, it is important that the Management Plan outlines the priorities with

respect to catering to the needs of all the visitors to the site including the pilgrims, and

taking into account the welfare of the local people.

10.4 PRINCIPLES GUIDING VISITOR MANAGEMENT AND TOURISM

PLAN

The aim of IMP regarding tourism is that economic, social and aesthetic needs must be

fulfilled while maintaining cultural integrity, natural diversity, ecological processes,

OUV’s and life support systems.

The guiding principles will help develop a sustainable tourism strategy that will

accomplish the larger aim. This is also in harmony with local skills, local capacity and integral to

local development.

10.4.1 ‘Visitor’ for both tourist and pilgrim

Nomenclature of visitor will be used to integrate both the pilgrimage and tourism efforts

under one coordinated plan. The IMP treats the tourists and pilgrims as one and takes them as

visitors on the whole. This is in consonance with the World Heritage system. The strategy is to

give a generic term, Visitor, to the pilgrims and all classes of tourists, from lower income to

higher income levels. The Visitor Management Plan will cater to both classes of visitors.

10.4.2 Tourism as part of mainstream Development



The IMP believes that Tourism sector has to be integrated into the mainstream

development and respect the Outstanding Universal Values of the World Heritage Site of

Hampi. The IMP is for balanced and sustainable tourism that will benefit the local communities,

enhance their economy and yet maintain the OUVs of the site. Any kind of development within

the inscribed area has to respond to protection issues.

Integration with Local Governance will be sought through developing the strategy around the

Panchayats.

10.4.3 Quality Accommodation and other provisions to all ends of visitors

IMP believes in offering facilities to all types of visitors and sees that the cultural site is

not destroyed in any manner. IMP defers from Tourism here, which only looks for big scale

structures to accommodate and provide for high-income tourists. This sends out a preconceived

notion of visitors expected to visit the site. Most of the visitors are pilgrims who are, more often

than not, very poor. There are backpackers who come for a budgeted visit. All ends of visitors

must find the right kind of accommodation and other facilities-those, which they can afford.

The IMP presents three categories of accommodation for the visitors in a generic manner: basic,

middle and high. As per their requirements, every strata of society will be able to afford the

facilities of the site. Principle in all kinds of accommodation will be regarding the quality

expected, where the smallest, cheapest room to the most expensive suite will be hygienic and

clean.

10.4.3 Principles regarding ‘Tradition to Modern’

The traditions at the World Heritage Site of Hampi through convergence with local idiom

will protect the environment, preserve the heritage, valorize host community and enrich the

visitor's experience. The following and any other relevant are areas in which the principle of

‘Tradition to Modern’ has to be followed:

10.4.3.1 Traditional Transport

Traditional means of transport such as Tangas and coracles must be encouraged and used

within the site. The traditional modes of transport are small-scale, eco-friendly and easily

operated by the local community. Manufacturing and operating the coracles is a source of



livelihood for the local people and has been so for generations. Unnecessarily taking this away

from them in favour of fibre reinforced ubiquitous modern boats is meaningless. Traditional

transport is contextual, authentic and aesthetically appealing. Travelling in these enriches the

experience. Refer plates 10 and 11. They also become important for individual as well as family

livelihoods and can become a part of an organized sector that provides the local people with

livelihood opportunities.

10.4.3.2 Traditional Cuisine

Traditional cuisines which are local and authentic shall be encouraged. This is also based

on the observation that restaurants serving western food only do not provide good service. They

take longer time to serve and their quality is unassessed. In Kamalapura, there are small south

Indian eateries which serve quality food. Hospet also has several good restaurants. Traits of the

Indian food like vegetarianism, aversion of liquor, etc. which are associated with the concept of

religious sanctity must be preserved within the Core Zone. This is also part of the values for the

pilgrims and the local community. The western palettes and multi-cuisines may be served in the

outer region.

10.4.3.3 Traditional Arts and Crafts

The World Heritage Site of Hampi has many forms of art and craft peculiar to the place.

Indigenously made bangles, Lambani work, terracotta, brass work items, jute woven items, wood

carving, etc are a few of them which are still prevalent, although vulnerable to modern changes.

Hampi has become a centre for display of arts and crafts from other parts of the country,

particularly Kashmir, Gujarat and Rajasthan. This trend is also backtracking the indigenous art

forms. There also are performing arts like Bayalata, Parijata, Kollata, Beedinataka, Bhajana, Yellamma

Kunitha and others, which inspire an enthralled breath. Refer to the Local Arts and Crafts Calendar

Annexure 21 for particulars.

The IMP will focus on the continuity of different traditions at HWHS, as they are

part of such elements of significance as authenticity, integrity, feelings, etc. The modern

facilities will be given importance over the traditional only if they benefit the site and

improve the quality of experience at the site, such as those related to services,

communications, better infrastructure facilities, etc.



The principles of the Visitor Management and Tourism Plan are in consonance

with the principles of the National Tourism Policy.

10.5 VISITOR MANAGEMENT PLAN

The IMP Team presently confines itself to visitor management as required by the

Convention 72.

The Visitor Management Plan is a part of Core Management and therefore the

responsibility of the Joint Programme for Heritage Management. The final plan has to become

integrated into the Master Plan.

As a next step a tourism sector plan will be prepared through an active dialogue with

IMP team and incorporation of its principles that will encourage a more sustainable tourism plan

for Hampi World Heritage Site. Thus, while tourism sector has backtracked, we are giving

another solution which is more within the context and response that we have received. We

persist with our Visitor Management approach and endeavour to evolve it into guidelines for the

Tourism Sector.5

10.5.1 Preparation of Visitor Management Plan

The World Heritage Site of Hampi shall in no way be subjected to destruction or

mishandling. Protection of all cultural resources should be of uppermost importance. With this

in mind, the Visitor Plan has been formulated. It also instils benefits to the local people by

providing them with protection and employment opportunities. The visitors benefit by getting a

wholesome and wider experience of the site that can be enjoyed by all categories of visitors.

The potential of the site drastically increases with the IMP put into action. There is much

more to see than monuments. Proper circulation ensures better exposure and experience and

pulls in a bigger crowd. Also the Tourism Plan will now cater to all kinds of visitors. The

carrying capacity increases.

The Visitor Management plan is the sub plan of the IMP and its sectoral plan is Tourism

Plan. As already mentioned that visitor management as implied in the World Heritage

Convention is more towards responsible and sustainable World heritage site management and

the document that takes into the visitor requirements of the entire site, to provide for all visitors 5 A Bangalore based NGO “Equations” has prepared a report which has a note from the stakeholders perspective. Also, the SPA Studio Project (Aug –Dec 04) Planning and Conservation “Two sides of the same coin” has a part devoted to Tourism but seen from the heritage management perspective.



from the Operational Guidelines requirements. The requirements are provision of adequate

amenities, facilities, increased access and circulation, appropriate signage, site presentation and

proper interpretation.

The visitor plan has to be pro local development and include measures for participation

of people though the local Governance using innovative ways.

10.5.2 Scope of Visitor Management Plan

The Visitor management plan integrates such components as circulation, provisions for

accommodation, other amenities, site interpretation, involvement of locals and opportunities for

traditional crafts and arts to ensure that all categories of visitors benefit by getting a wholesome

and wider experience of the site, at the same time bringing benefits to the local community.

Ideally, it must encompass the entire region representing the cultural landscape of Hampi.

A. This plan shall specify the management of visitors depending on the type and needs of

visitor within the landscape and the visitor facilities required as per world heritage

standards.

I. Facilities for Tourists

II. Facilities for Pilgrims

The pilgrims have to be specifically considered due to their unique nature and their direct

relation to the living heritage components of the cultural landscape. This plan shall

specify the management of pilgrimage and the pilgrim facilities required in consideration

to the traditional practices and customs.

B. It shall investigate the carrying capacity and the impact assessments of the visitors on

the cultural resource and the local community. The result shall formulate the policy and

the schemes.

C. It shall investigate the present visitor routes and the places of visits within the cultural

landscape. The investigations will also go into frequency of the visits and the time period.

D. Site Presentation and Interpretation Plan. This is actually a sub-plan under the Visitor

Management Plan. The following tasks are to be achieved by this sub-plan.



I.Specifying all the medium, methods and techniques used for the presentation and

interpretation of the site.

II.A clear distinction shall be made between the educational and entertainment

potential of the site

III.Interpretation and presentation pattern shall be made keeping in mind the

categories of the visitors, including disabled and young.

10.5.3 Objectives of Visitor Management Plan

These are:

A. Strengthening decentralization

B. To develop a suitable sustainable strategy to integrate pilgrims and tourists as

‘visitors’

C. Improving visitor facilities

D. To promote new and innovative approaches to build livelihood opportunities in rural

areas through community action by augmenting cultural and craft dimensions

E. Encouraging sustainable partnerships with local communities and interest groups

10.6 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF VISITOR

MANAGEMENT

10.6.1 Accessibility: Exploring Potential of the Northern Side

Hampi is part of the Northern Circuit. This means improving access and entry from the

north. National and State level linkage needs to be increased.

10.6.1.1 Airways:

Airways provide the quickest and comfortable mode of transportation for regional and

national level. The nearest airstrip is at Tornagallu in Sandur Taluk which is 32 kms from

Hospet. The second nearest airport is Bellary(74 kms). An upgradation of Ginigheri airstrip at

Koppal, is required to improve air networking and improve linkages with other sites in the

northern circuit.



10.6.1.2 Roadways:

Two of the national level transport corridors are being developed within Karnataka State.

Junction of North-south corridor and Golden quadrilateral is formed in this region at Bangalore

and is under construction. These two corridors are networked further by NH 63 and NH13. NH

63 is most important highway going through the Hampi National Heritage Region-a national

level link to Koppal city which makes it an opportunity for better transport connectivity. NH 13

is one of only two links through river between districts of Bellary and Koppal.

Hospet-Kampli road starts and ends within the site, however it has implication on the

regional level. It connects district stations of Hospet and Gangawati and is one of the rare

connection through river. Historic evidences prove this to be an ancient route which today has

state level importance.

SH 29 is a potential road which gives opportunity to develop Gangawati and routing the

traffic from Torangallu-Hopet road to Gangawati road. This option is necessary because, the

Torangallu-Hospet line is very well connected with double line broad gauge rail and national

highway, while Koppal remains neglected.

SH 23 is important highway of Koppal district. It runs through the cultural landscape.

This web would become a movement corridor and would bring more connectivity.

An improvement of existing roads (including National highways that are in serious state

of disrepair) is necessary. Also the road density and road accessibility to various villages of the

southern districts of Karnataka is much higher than that of the northern districts. Overall

connectivity in the southern part of Karnataka is better. There is a need for increased

accessibility in the north.

The enhancement of the roadways expects involvement of the National Highway

Authority of India, State Highway Authority, CPWD, PWD and other concerned departments.

10.6.1.3 Railways:

There are three intra zone passenger rails in the SW zone. All other trains are inter zone

connecting Karnataka with northern and southern India. The broad gauge line connecting

Hospet with Guntakal is important passenger spine. Guntakal in Andhra Pradesh is another

accessible Railway Junction.

The central and south-west zone of railway authority have a role in working out alternate



railway junctions in Hospet and particularly Koppal to benefit other commuters besides tourists

and link the entire Region.6

Railway network: Diagram based on Statistical Abstracts, 1989-94, P.W.D., Govt. of Karnataka 7

The above mentioned has to be integrated with the proposals of Regional Development Plan or the

Double-District Development Plan. It has already been explained in Chapter 8, Planning and

Development, that tourism as an economic initiative and development of tourism industry in a

balanced manner between the two districts of Bellary and Koppal, with improved transport and

regional linkages, is part of the regional economic development.

10.6.2 Circulation

A. The Intangible heritage and many other cultural resource components need to

be included and communicated to offer a real experience of HWHS as Hampi

being much more than a group of monuments. Apart from the significant 56 monuments

protected by ASI, there are many more, which are not properly accessible or presented.

6 The Regional Development Plan has to address the tourism potential of the Northern side through sectors such as Transport and Linkages ensuring that there is no conflict with the local needs. The Region is the Double-Districts of Bellary and Koppal. 7 In case of Hampi National Heritage Region, it is a complex administrative region which falls in five taluks of two different districts i.e. Bellary and Koppal. Koppal here, is a newly formed district which was part of Raichur earlier. Data available till date are for the combined district of Raichur and thus, the data relied here for analysis is for Raichur region.

has



As an initial step to achieve this objective, a Circulation network is prepared to gain

access to all these cultural properties. Refer Chapter 2 for more information. Refer plate 12.

B. Core Zone has to be made highway free. Access has to be co-ordinated with the

Regional Plan for alternative locations of highways and bridge. The Talarigattu Gate is

used for local commutation and is in the route of public buses also. Furthermore, the

possibilities of Talarigattu road upgrading into a state level highway are high. The threat

is increased because of major public and goods traffic going through this gate. Krishna

Gate poses similar problem even with the by-pass road. Refer plate 13.

C. There is one entry route which is from the south of Hampi, at present. Two more entry

routes are being proposed- one from northeast and other from northwest. With more

entry points, information and interpretation centres should be increased and

decentralized, making access to information much easier.

D. Identification and Revival of Historic paths-Circulation network must use the

historic paths as much as possible. Wherever conflicts occur, they have to be resolved

with significance of heritage, its historicity and survival in mind. Heritage walks through

historic areas with involvement of local people can be conducted on these routes.

Trekking and Theme Walks shall be encouraged. These shall include the experience

and excitement of climbing hills, walking through meandering pathways, stone paved

streets and series of gateways. Refer plates 14 and 15.

E. Multiple and energy-efficient modes of transport- They should offer enough

choice to the user and include bicycles, cycle rickshaws, mopeds, lunas, traditional modes

like tangas, etc. In the Hampi region itself, especially in the Core Area, only smaller modes

of vehicles as mentioned above are allowed. The diversity in the mode of transport must

respond to local participation-what can be afforded and run by the locals. Only some

public transportation like KSRTC buses – as plying currently from Kampili to Hospet,

may be allowed but not along any other route, till Regional plan is completed.

F. Design of CPWD Parking nodes taking consideration of archeological

presence This must be co-ordinated with the geo-prospecting exercise (identified as part



of the Joint Management for action) of the entire site and shall be part of the

Development Plan. Refer plate 16.

Parking provisions are required:

I. near Interpretation Centre

II. others as per vehicle movement

The Circulation plan must incorporate vehicular movement and parking nodes.

G. Traditional modes of transport to be encouraged as they are compatible to the local

skills and abilities. Tangas, a type of horse-cart, will be used on special routes identified

for providing a unique experience of traveling amidst the archaeological ruins set within

the historic cultural landscape.

For transportation through the river, traditional boats- coracles shall be reinstated,

instead of using fibre boats. This will enable visitors to see all the river side features and

water structures including the historic bridge. It must be retained as it is by and large a

safe mode to travel in water, capable of handling rocky banks and water terrains and

offers a unique and authentic experience. Provision of better security and emergency

relief through life-guards and rangers along both sides of the river makes this system

more efficient. Refer plate 17.

These traditional transport systems will be operated by the local community. 8

H. Villages as ‘Living Heritage’ are a part of the destinations in the plan. There

shall be proper access network to not only the cultural resources but also the villages.

These villages have community open squares which have the potential to be the Village

Triad Squares- the place for interaction between community and visitors. These squares

will have shops, kiosks, small restaurants, spaces for activities (evening plays etc) run by

the locals and supported by the traditional repair and upgradation plan for the village.

The above requirement needs identification of such open spaces, identification of

people who are willing to participate and training them. The spaces must be sensitively

8 The Authority has also made a few proposals (Project 1) concerning Circulation. This includes a map showing all the protected cultural properties through a network of various means of accessibility will be made. The Authority agrees that Tanga and Coracles should be used, operated by locals, to transport visitors within the site and on river routes. A route map with proposed locations of Tanga stations and stoppage points along with respective revenue information will be prepared. Also a bus run by a private operator with the facility of a guide who can interpret authentically in various languages will be part of it, to cover all the significant monuments in the World Heritage List.



designed and landscaped so as to function well and also integrate with the traditional

environment. Refer plate 18.

10.6.3 Accommodation and other tourism facilities

A. Basic, Middle and High end Categories of Accommodation- The IMP presents

these three generic categories of accommodation for the visitors so that every strata of

society will be able to afford the facilities of the site. Principle in all kinds of

accommodation will be regarding the quality expected, where the smallest, cheapest

room to the most expensive suite will be hygienic and clean.

B. No Discriminatory standards- The existing distinctions and discriminatory

standards in some of the officially recognized hotels and places for stay is not part of a

healthy sustainable tourism policy. Although the IMP proposes the three generic

categories of accommodation- functionality, cleanliness, maintenance and context-responsive design

must be common for all ends. The finishes have to be clean and easy for maintenance.

C. The Core Area will have no new buildings for accommodation apart from very

basic facilities which involves tents, water and simple food. These will basically be availed

by pilgrims. Tent encampments in select open places within the Core Zone are

permissible.

D. Location of big hotels and other tourism facilities- To be raised in the outline

towns of Hospet, Bellary, Koppal and Gangavati. This can cater to most of the visitors.

The locations of these facilities must be decided by the planning process and the

considerations have to address the interests of the collective and their own sustainability

in the social and physical context.

E. Public-Private Partnership for High-end Facilities- Money should be distributed

in a systematic manner. High end facilities should be financed on partnerships. There are

many private interests involved with the latter. Government must participate in and

be responsible for mainstream developments. Spending government money on high-

end services is not sustainable.



F. Home stay and allied- In each village, the owners of traditional houses can let out a

room for lodging to visitors. Schemes such as Athithya can be encouraged, but they have

to link up with the programme on repair, upgradation and construction of traditional

houses.

G. Training and other preparatory activities required for home-stays and visitor

related programs must be organized by Tourism Department in partnership with Joint

Committee of Adyakshas. The necessary training will help the residents to become equal

partners in these arrangements.

H. Village will develop basic amenities to cater to visitors. Bazaar, hub, village triad

squares or part of market place will supply all basic amenities, eateries and bookshops.

Local cuisines must be served. No non-vegetarian and liquor will be served in the

Virupaksha Bazaar area. This is to respect the sanctity of the site. Theatre, exhibitions

and other such activities are to be put up in local public spaces like the triad squares or

platforms and necessary support extended to them.

I. Identification and upgradation of existing structures for adaptive-re-use for

Yatri niwas, interpretation facilities, or any other appropriate use.

J. Infrastructure- First priority services include provision for drinking water, toilets,

communication facilities and information and interpretation services. Garbage bins

should be adequately placed all over the site.

K. The Land-use plan has to give a plot by plot identification for tourism purposes

including plots for hotels and other facilities.

L. Consideration for New Tourism Projects and Destination Developments. This

entails relevant investigation and appraisal using techniques such as:

I. Assessment of Vulnerability

II. Assessment of Carrying Capacity as a parameter to check higher thresholds in

planning for Tourism

III. Impact Assessment (for both Environment and Heritage)



The destination categories recommended by IMP Team shall also be substantiated by

these assessments.

M. New Project Guidelines for the scale, design, architectural form and vocabulary of

the new buildings on site and guidelines for extension and up gradation of infrastructure

in the existing.9

This will maintain the integrity and authenticity of the site and control ad hoc

construction.

10.6.4 Interpretation and Site Presentation

10.6.4.1 Definition of Heritage Interpretation

It is a communication process designed to reveal meanings and relationships of our

natural and cultural heritage to the community, through direct or indirect experiences of people

with objects, arte-facts, buildings, landscapes and sites. Heritage Interpretation is a way to

connect the past to the future by creating relevance in the present. Interpretation is the art of

explaining knowledge simply and clearly. Interpretation selects the most effective focus for

communication and chooses the most suitable medium for presentation.

10.6.4.2 Objectives of Interpretation

A. Gives orientation to the visitor

B. Informs the visitor in an interactive one to one way about site

C. Primarily Educational

10.6.4.3 Hierarchy of Interpretation for different Users

The visitors/users are made up of different people with different age groups,

backgrounds, needs, interests, desires and expectations. These shall be acknowledged and

planned for. Hierarchies of Interpretation needed, which means special interpretation for school

children and disabled people. Interpretation for children must be made into educational and self-

learning exercises. History and cultural significance will be interpreted through environment,

9 The same scheduled to the Master Plan as guidelines again.



literatures, costumes, etc. The range of interpretation will ensure that there is experience through

all the senses. Visual interpretations for the deaf and tactile interpretation for the blind shall be

provided for.

10.6.4.4 Interpretation strategy for HWHS

The interpretation strategy has to address the grass root level and cannot be packaged

and imported from anywhere. Strategy for interpretation will lead to selection of places for

interpretation inputs. Multiple interpretation facilities that are simple and specific and that bring

out the multiple dimensions of the site have to be used.

10.6.4.5 Preliminary tasks for evolving the Interpretation Strategy

A. A comprehensive list of various facets of Hampi World Heritage Site and a

bibliography of sources of cultural information for evolving the strategy

B. More guidelines have to be developed for each resource as per the typology and the

classification gradually. An integrated guideline for protection, management and

interpretation to be prepared.10

10.6.4.6 Developing themes for Interpretation

A few have been suggested based on the Team’s experience and these have potential to

be expanded.

A. Sacred and religious aspects – Kishauda, Caves, Temples, Kishkindha, and

Pampakshetra

B. Historical ruins of Vijayanagara and Post-Vijayanagara period

C. Prehistoric ruins of the Neolithic period

D. Flora and Fauna

E. Nature and Sanctuaries

F. Tungabhadra Dam and modern engineering

G. Military Architecture of Vijayanagara

H. Water Networks

I. Crafts

10 The same scheduled to the Hampi Act 2002 and the Master Plan as guidelines again.



J. Hampi as Cultural Landscape – Villages life

Specific sect tours like Shiva Parvati Tour, Ramayana Tour, Nav Brindavan Tour may

happen. Apart from these, planned tours for specific time-durations viz. designed tours for

one, two or three days along with brochures and orientation material.

10.6.4.7 Networking IIMC with visitor activities

Data to be networked in Integrated Information Management System is also to be used

for Site Interpretation. The use of GIS technology has already been recommended in managing

all information at the centre. A GIS simply reflects the three-dimensional world in a series of

map layers.

Through this overlay technique, each data type or feature, such as topography, waterway,

road networks, built structures and cultural resources is represented as a layer of data. Users can

view each map layer individually or together producing a dynamic map controlled by the user.

As the store of information it empowers the responsible agency. IIMC becomes a

channel to disseminate and communicate. This is not in the private domain; hence it also

improves economic sustainability.

10.6.4.8 Interpretation and Information centres

As already mentioned, the site requires interpretation at different levels and on specific themes.

This requires Interpretation and Information centres. Following are certain proposals, the

selection of the location for which necessitate an overall evaluation strategy. Refer map 9.

A. A larger Interpretation and Information centre – PWD Inspection Bungalow,

Kamalapura (thus proposed for an adaptive re-use) or suitable location before

Kadirampura road – Interpretation of entire site with all relevant aspects.

B. DAM Office near Zenana Enclosure for detailed interpretation of core archaeological

area – Emphasis on Vijayanagara period remains and architecture

C. Interpretation hubs are necessary at big temple complexes and groups of monuments

other than the main center.



10.6.4.9 Mode of Interpretation

Interpretation material such as maps, brochures, pocket guides, interpretive panels,

publications, communicators, etc. Tours and walks, whether guided or self-guided, will facilitate

Interpretation.

Audio-Video tours shall be devised in different languages and must encourage the use of

local Kannada language. Voices of local residents will be heard on the audio tour telling stories

and anecdotes about their past, the villages they come from and their traditions. This shall

require identification of local people with orator skills and training them. Scope of multi-media

and emerging techniques in interpretation will be explored.

Scale-models, Virtual reality, etc. can be used for visual reconstructions of various sites,

and can be accessed at the Interpretation hubs. Innovative ways such as Soundscapes and others

may also be used and this will save the redundant exercise of physical reconstructions on the

archaeological site itself.

10.6.4.10 Signage

At HWHS directional, locational, informational, educational as well as prohibitory

signage is necessary. At the moment, this is being implemented by ASI, DAM and Department

of Tourism. Refer plate 19.

This requires to be designed and installed such that it merges with the style, architecture

and landscape of the site. A list of types of signage to facilitate orientation and interpretation

must be prepared – directional signage along the access, maps to orient the visitors, cultural

information texts, pictorial signage describing various monuments, complexes, natural

formations seen from points over the hillocks and rocky outcrops, etc.

All kinds of Signage have to be simple, straightforward, unobtrusive and well-designed.

10.6.4.11 Lighting

Lighting aids in spectatorship-a necessary tool for viewing. It enhances the spectacle of

the monument or a place and thus is a way of interpretation and presentation. It is an aspect that

needs to be determined and implemented appropriately. It is not just a technical issue but also a



conceptual one. While inappropriate lighting can damage the historic fabric and structure, an

apposite lighting scheme can enhance its splendor.

• Basic pathway lighting needs to be installed for security

• Selected monuments, paths, open spaces, village triad squares will be illuminated for

important festivals and functions

• The direction, distance and intensity of lighting are certain considerations along with the

design, size and installation of the lighting fixtures.

• All kinds of lighting have to be unobtrusive, well-designed and must camouflage with the

style, architecture and landscape of the site.

10.6.4.12 Landscaping

Landscaping of a site is significant in its presentation and interpretation. ASI follows the

colonial tradition of laying out lawns, which is detrimental to the authenticity and integrity of

historic structures and sites. Refer plate 20. More sensitive landscaping is required, enabled

through research and professional expertise. Guidelines are needed for landscaping of historic

sites in Hampi.

10.6.4.13 Supports for Interpretation

Supports include Signage, boards with maps and directions, exhibitions centers,

interpretation exhibition/displays, tourism gift shops, food and water centres, which shall be

designed and placed at strategic points.

10.6.4.14 Involvement of Design Professionals

Design professionals must be involved to evolve integrated schemes for signage, interpretive

lighting, landscaping, etc. Values related to environment, authenticity and integrity have to be

maintained.

10.6.5 Heritage Promotion

‘Heritage Promotion’ in IMP is seen as a way of communication, different from the

existing associated notions of commercialization, marketing and advertisement. It shall protect



and enhance natural and cultural heritage characteristics.

10.6.5.1 Information Dissemination

Heritage Promotion is generally thought of as a sequence of activities designed to inform,

attract and convince individuals to visit heritage destinations, subscribe to a belief, or support a

cause. Information dissemination must be one of the prime promotional objectives with

highlights on not only the monuments but all the tangible and intangible aspects of the cultural

heritage of HWHS which contribute towards its OUVs.

10.6.5.2 Heritage promotion has to use direct channels

Direct communication strategies have to be adopted rather than involving NGO’s.

Programmes such as Heritage education, Local community Platform and effective site

presentation and interpretation must aid this. The Integrated Information Centre shall also

become a centre for promotion of HWHS. A wider range and variety of heritage promotional

materials like Heritage site interpretation boards, Exhibition displays, Posters, leaflets, fliers,

books, brochures, etc. must be available. Supplying information to travel magazines, newspapers,

radio and the internet is another effective way to promote a site.

10.6.5.3 Equitable and Balanced Promotion

Heritage promotion shall provide a wider distribution of benefits and relieve the

pressures on more popular places by encouraging visitors to experience the wider cultural and

natural heritage characteristics of the region of Hampi.

10.6.5.4 Promotional Strategy

The strategy will lay out the guidelines for selecting cultural heritage sites for

development and promotion and in shall no way conflict with the protection of the site and its

values. Criteria such as following can be used to determine whether and how a site should be

promoted:

A. Site suitability for certain uses;

B. Identification of target audience and their interests

C. Significance of the site;

D. Ease of access to the site; and



E. Proximity to other visitor facilities

It has to be understood that Heritage Promotion is non-imperative and last in the

priority list.

10.6.6 Community Involvement

Community acceptance of tourism depends greatly on the extent to which it reflects the

needs and desires of local people and their integration into the industry. Negative cultural and

economic impacts are reduced if local people are able to participate in tourist-related commerce

and have some autonomy in making decisions about the numbers and types of visitors entering

their communities, what frequency and the level of use of their resources and skills. Refer plates 21

and 22.

The perception that tourism brings economic benefits through the creation of jobs or

additional income into the local economy is an important factor contributing to community

acceptance. Community involvement is thus a mainstream development activity, integral to

economy. Their capacity is built through education, training, information and communication to

participate en masse.

10.6.6.1 Vision for Human Resource Development at the Hampi Regional level

The Visitor Plan makes an effort to integrate local employment with new/ present posts

that identifies their potential and capacity. Thus, local people should be trained and hired to

manage these various areas. This is first to be tested in the Core Area. It then can spread to

the Buffer Zone before it finally covers the NHR.

10.6.6.2 Employment and job opportunities

Many jobs related to security and other tourist facilities could be given to the local youth.

They will be trained as tourist guides, security guards, etc. Similarly the Tangas and the coracles

should be operated by the local community to supply more employment opportunities and that it

benefits the community.

Livelihood opportunities also emerge in maintenance and running of Village Triad

squares and home stays.



10.6.6.3 Communicators

The Security Force will be adapted by rangers and guides who will protect the site as well

as guide the tourists. The official term for the rangers and guides will be Communicators.

Capable and well trained local residents can take up the jobs of guides and rangers.

10.6.6.4 Crafts and Traditional Arts

Art and culture for tourism to be linked with relevant development schemes and

programmes for Kannada and Culture Department

A. Promotion of intangible heritage

B. Co-operatives of local craftsmen

C. Enterprises such as handicrafts, artifacts and performing arts to link up with visitor

management as revenue potentials

D. Village Triad Squares shall be places for demonstrations and actual practicing by

craftspeople of folk music, foodways, and occupational and recreational activities. Special

programmes may be featured during festivals. The distribution of the Village squares in

every village will ensure equitable participation of the natives as well as visitors.

10.7 TRANSCENDING FROM VISITOR MANAGEMENT TO TOURISM

SECTOR

It is critical to understand that in Tourism, there is a limitless array of activities, measures

and actions that can be organized and executed but not all of them will serve our effective

heritage management goals. Therefore, the Management Team recommends the re-ordering of

actions for the larger benefit of HWHS and its community.

Actions that are detrimental to the values of cultural resources - protected or

unprotected, tangible or intangible- cannot be allowed. Unfortunately, the IMP team has not

been able to reach the tourism sector with its prior attempts, it is thus giving a solution, which

might be a longer transmit but is definitely pro-heritage, more sustainable and statutory.

10.7.1 The Challenge Encountered and the Bridge formed

The previous sections have elaborated upon the need for a Sustainable Tourism strategy



and what Sustainable Tourism for the site of Hampi means. The sections also explicate that

Visitor Management is an aspect of the requirements for World heritage Sites and hence a part of

responsible site management. There has been a herculean attempt to forge a consensus for the

pro-heritage visitor management perspective of site management from the existing Tourism

paradigm of the country which is short term, selective and commercial. The challenge was to

develop a mutually supportive sustainable strategy agreed upon by the main stakeholders.11

Sustainable Tourism for Hampi required building a bridge between the two poles:

One pole- Responsible Heritage Site Management and

The Other pole- Tourism industry with its broader sectoral goals

The challenge has been to attempt a way to bridge these two poles.

The bridge has been conceived in form of principles and a Visitor Management

strategy developed in the spirit of the World Heritage System and the Convention, which

link the potentialities of the Tourism sector with mainstream development, opportunities

for livelihoods, participation of local governance and to the existing national and state

policies for tourism, while respecting the outstanding universal values of the site.

10.7.2 Double Processing Mechanism to safeguard Site Significance- Integrating

Tourism Sector Plan with the provisions of the Processed Master Plan

Hampi is a fragile and vulnerable site as many of its cultural resources that contribute to

the integrity and authenticity are yet to be identified and given protection. The IMP thus requires

two levels of processing for Tourism. Double- processing shall ensure that the values have been

filtered through and is explained in greater detail below. The entire mechanism of double

processing takes place in three steps,

First Level of Processing

Step 1: WHC IMP V M (Visitor Management)

Second Level of Processing

Step 2: V M M P (Master Plan)

Step 3: V M + M P T S P (Tourism Sector Plan)

The first level of processing ensures that IMP directives rooted in the principles of

World Heritage Convention are assimilated into a Visitor Management Plan. The Visitor

11 In the May 06 consultations which revolved around the development of a sustainable Tourism strategy for Hampi World Heritage Site, there were certain discrepancies of approach felt that had to be resolved. A paper was given to the Joint Secretary of Tourism from our perspective. Inputs requested from the Ministry of Tourism are still awaiting answer.



Management Plan, which is the sub-plan document for Site Management (part of IMP) is a core

management task and is the responsibility of the mandated/ responsible agency – ASI

Coordinated Joint Programme for Heritage Management.12

Second level of processing ensures that the Visitor Management Plan so formulated now

is interfaced with the Master Plan and is then processed into a Tourism Sector Plan, which now

has a statutory way of looking at such aspects as the location of tourism structures, the scale and

sizes of buildings, their uses, their compatibility with the protection zones, etc. This will prohibit

construction of new large scale buildings within the inscribed zone and thus retain the

significance of the site.

The Tourism Plan has to follow the provisions of Master Plan and proposed

Landuse stringently. Location of structures, building level interventions, their scale, heights,

form, architectural vocabulary, use and function of Tourism projects have to be initiated only

after the IMP, MP and Visitor Management Plan are completed.

Regarding the architectural form and design, the concern presented is the methods to

achieve good quality architecture appropriate to the sensitive context. This has to be debated in

the professional realm and then evolved into guidelines, which help in establishing quality in

contemporary architectural practice.

This is how the true interface of tourism potentials, protection needs, development

priorities and safeguarding of community interests will be achieved, resulting in the much desired

sustainable tourism at HWHS. 12 They may hire a consultant for preparation of the Visitor Management Plan

VISITOR MANAGEMENTas part of

CORE MANGEMENT (Joint Programme for Heritage Management-ASI, DAM and

HWHAMA)

MASTER PLAN

(HWHAMA)

TOURISM PLAN

(Ministry and State Dept. of

Tourism; working group)

IMP (Directives as per

the World Heritage System)

First Level of Processing

SecondLevel of

Processing

Double Processing Mechanism to absorb directives given by IMP into Visitor Management Plan as part of Core Management and then into Tourism Plan



Two levels of processing shall ensure that the values have been filtered through.

Any other proposal shall be cleared through the proposed regularization process and shall follow

the guidelines proposed in the Master Plan.13

10.7.3 Preparation of Tourism Sector Plan

The Ministry of Tourism with the aid of a consultant and formation of a working group

shall develop the Tourism sectoral plan for the site of Hampi. They shall integrate the Visitor

management Plan along with the directions of the Master plan, which now through the efforts

and inputs of IMP are in consonance with the World Heritage Convention, into their scheme of

action.

Also, as the tourism plan is now part of the mainstream development and has already

incorporated concerns of protection, interests of community and other social goals, it will be

acceptable to all stakeholders and will be beneficial for the site.

10.7.3.1 Consultancy required for the preparation of Tourism sector plan

A Consultancy will be required to harmonize the IMP and make action plan for

implementation of this sector. A lead consultant with experience in development and tourism

with a multidisciplinary Team will be required to make the Tourism Sector plan.

10.7.3.2 Constitution of a Working Group

It is now felt that it is better if the Tourism Plan is made by a working group led by the

consultant and representation of experts from the Ministry of Tourism, the State Department

and the Joint Programme for Heritage Management. HWHAMA will also be a member. The

working group will also have representation from gram and zilla panchayats, which is explained

below.

10.7.3.3 Role of Panchayats in the Working group

According to Panchayati Raj, Zilla panchayats have certain responsibilities towards 13 There are various other support plans for effective management of tourism, besides Visitor Management Plan like Cultural Resources Information Management Support, Administrative Management Support, Development



pilgrims. Zilla panchayats are responsible for construction and maintenance of Dharamshals,

Chattras and similar institutions. They also organize fairs and festivals in the village. IMP has

proposed them to be part of the working group for the preparation of tourism plan. The roles of

zilla and gram panchayats in implementation of the visitor management and tourism plan have

also to be understood.

10.8 CONCLUSION

It is only prudent to remind that tourism can both help and destroy the site and the

above needs to be brought within a review process for a collective joint programme of action to

emerge.

The final strategy outlined above is based on the real experience of the consultations,

responses and actions at the site and is expected to be viable for the most sustainable and

equitable answers for tourism concerns at HWHS. The IMP also envisions that official tourism

projects shall be few and set the best example in architectural design in World heritage Sites.

The recommendations and proposals given by IMP fit well within the International,

National and State policies and directives for Tourism. While recognizing the need for

sustainable tourism, IMP has been able to bring to light the existing paradox between tourism

and pilgrimage at the site of Hampi. The dimension of pilgrimage far exceeds tourism in

magnitude and in complexity and manifests itself as the intangible heritage at Hampi. There is no

distinction between tourists and pilgrims as visitors to the site and their needs have to be

collectively responded to, without any undue emphasis on one fraction of the visitors. This is

also in keeping with tourism sustainability with recognition of the larger community interests.

Community acceptance of tourism largely depends on the integration of their needs and

aspirations into the (tourism) industry. Negative cultural and economic impacts are reduced

when local people and local governance participate in tourist-related commerce and have some

autonomy in making decisions.

The chapter establishes that Tourism is not irrespective of Ecological concerns, Cultural

Heritage protection and our constitutional rights for balanced development, social equity and

upholding of community interests. Tourism is part of the mainstream economic development

and is not as an isolated industry or enterprise. It has to set the accent on the protection of the

Outstanding Universal values of the World Heritage Site of Hampi.

Plan, Environment Management Plan, Finance and Phasing Support, Plan for Future Research Areas and Risk Preparedness and Management that aid the former.

Visitor Management to Tourism Sector

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