This article first appeared in The Economic Times on January 11, 2025.
In the heart of Kochi, St. Francis Church stands as a silent witness to history, housing the tomb of Vasco da Gama for 14 years before his remains were taken back to Portugal. Visiting the church on December 24, I realized it marked exactly 500 years since da Gama’s death in 1524. Yet, the milestone passed unnoticed by the government or tourism boards, despite its potential to attract European, especially Portuguese, tourists. Da Gama’s legacy, albeit contested, could have been a springboard for cultural diplomacy and tourism innovation.
India’s approach to leveraging its colonial past for tourism remains lackluster. Iconic slogans like “Incredible India” and “God’s Own Country” need a dynamic refresh. Neglected landmarks, such as Assam’s British-era tramway near Raimona National Park, highlight missed opportunities. These steam engines, now used to dry clothes, could be restored into an interactive historical attraction. Pairing this with the park’s elusive golden langurs would create a unique blend of history and nature to draw visitors.
Further east, Manipur’s Red Hills offers another example of untapped potential. The site of a fierce World War II battle between Japanese and Allied forces, it now hosts a peace museum inaugurated in 2019 with support from Japan’s Nippon Foundation. The museum and a Japanese-built memorial bearing the poignant message, “This monument will stand as a prayer for peace,” reflect a commitment to reconciliation. Red Hills could be reimagined as a pilgrimage for Japanese and British tourists, honoring a shared history of sacrifice and peace.
India’s tourism sector, which sustains 45 million jobs and contributes 6.8% to the GDP, is underperforming. Between January and June 2024, only 4.7 million foreign tourists visited India, a 10% decline from pre-Covid numbers in 2019. Amid global “revenge travel,” this decline underscores the urgency for creative strategies.
Instead of dismissing colonial-era relics as remnants of exploitation, India should embrace their narratives to attract global tourists. Integrating historical preservation with compelling storytelling can bring fresh energy to the tourism sector. By highlighting overlooked landmarks and creating immersive experiences, India can harness its rich past to build a vibrant future in tourism. Let the echoes of history transform into opportunities for global connections and economic growth…
Read more in The Economic Times